MALACAÑAN PALACE
Manila
11:40 PM
January 1, 1972
Saturday
I announced the reorganization of the Armed Forces with the retirement of the retirable generals (18 out of the 27 retirable generals) Lt. Cols. (13) and Cols. (20).
And the reappointment of Johnny Ponce Enrile as Secretary of National Defense.
There will probably be some objections to him for being a lameduck as was voiced by Louie Beltran. But I explained that there was no one else who could approximate the stature, competence and qualifications of Johnny,
And I needed him for the reorganization of the Armed Forces.
In the press interview this afternoon at 3:00 PM, although I went into the room at 4:00 PM, I also announced the national government had custody of a suspect in the Plaza Miranda bombing; that I had extended Gens. Ordoñez of Metrocom when I met thereafter, and Encarnacion.
Played golf with Gens. Espino, Ileto and Ramos. I informed them of the plan to retire Gen. Yan and the major service commanders except Gen. Ileto becomes Vice Chief of Staff, as well as the PC Zone Commanders and the Brigade Commanders.
I also met Cols. Jolly Bugarin of the NBI, Olivas of CIS and Briones of Ancar on the Plaza Miranda case. They seem to have solved it.
I attach the report on the matter.