The dinner with the Justices without Chief Justice Concepcion who is sick in Sto. Tomas Hospital turned out well. Casually I turned into the problems the country was facing requiring an unquestioned position of leadership for negotiations. As Justice Fred Ruiz Castro said, “I get the message, Mr. President.”
Read moreOctober 11, 1972
1 12:00 PM Oct. 11, 1972 Wednesday Malacañan Palace Manila The Cotobato (North) leaders, Moslem Tururays and Christian alike, have pledged to keep the peace and support me in the proclamation of martial law and the reformation. But since fighting has broken out in the Magsanoy, Ampatuan, Pikit area I have called them to Manila..
Read moreSaturday, October 7, 1972
I was concerned for Justice Barrera's safety. When he saw me, he also showed much concern—for me. He asked excitedly in rapid succession, "Were you released?" Did they release you?" "I was never taken in, Justice," I assured him. "No, no, no, you were taken in, but did they release you immediately afterwards?" He showed..
Read moreSep. 25, 1972, Monday
(1) 12:15 PM Sept. 25, 1972 Monday Malacañan Palace Manila Gen. Ver's men have apprehended Lehman the American triggerman and Manny Crisoligo the explosives and electronics man. But they have not caught Eddie Figueras, Tony Arevalo, Osmeña, Larry Truckman and others involved. The duo have involved the other men and apparently there was an..
Read moreApril 10, 1942
Morning came, and we were ordered to stack our guns and disarm. The white flag was raised on top of the highest hill. All Filipino troops in Bataan were going to surrender together. It was already nine o'clock... but still there were no Japs. We knew we were completely surrounded, but they were taking their..
Read moreApril 8, 1942
Bataan Saw a big rat eating what looked like the arm of a soldier strewn near a stream in H.P.D. Saw more troops --hollow-eyed, wasted, exhausted, lips parched with thirst, eyes wild with starvation. Saw corpses of brave men, courageous men being buried by friends, comrades-in-arms. All troops are moving to Mariveles, the southernmost tip..
Read moreApril 4, 1942
HQ, Bataan The Americans in HPD are burning their papers. Others are packing their maps and clothes. They are transferring to Corregidor. This is a clear indication that our days here are numbered. Courier boats leaving for Corregidor are packed with high-ranking officers transferring to the Rock. Personally I prefer to stick out..
Read moreApril 3, 1942
HQ, Bataan Japs pounding the front heavily, continuously, mercilessly. The boys are standing firm, fighting with the littler strength left in their sick, hungry, weary, bloody bodies. What is happening in Bataan today is phenomenal. Here are inexperienced youngsters --schoolboys, trainees, academy undergraduates-- fighting veterans of many campaigns who are numerically and materially superior...
Read moreApril 1, 1942
HQ, MIS, BATAAN Awakened by "Photo Joe". Name given to Jap observation plane by Bataan boys is "Photo Joe". Leonie said: "That means bombing around 'brunch' time." Fred, usually more grim, said: "That also means deaths." Major Javallera who was O.D. said that there was continous artillery firing the whole night. "It must be..
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