THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE COORDINATION AGENCY (NICA) HOSTED THE LAUNCH OF “THE VICTORS OF MV KARAGATAN ARMS LANDING”

August 31, 2024 Community Billboard

On Tuesday, August 20, a book that sheds light on a pivotal event in Philippine history. The book launch, held at the NICA headquarters, brought together key figures involved in the MV Karagatan Arms Landing, a clandestine operation in 1970 where a ship carrying weapons intended for communist rebels was intercepted by Philippine authorities. NICA Director-General Ricardo De Leon, who was personally involved in the MV Karagatan Arms Landing, shared his own experiences and highlighted the book’s significance in preserving historical accuracy.

“This book launching is truly historical,” De Leon said. “I was the missing link in the MV Karagatan story. When you were talking about the story, I was happy to be part of the MV Karagatan.” De Leon recounted his role in the successful recovery of the firearms, emphasizing the importance of accurate documentation and the need to address historical inaccuracies. “During the successful recovery of the firearms, I was immediately recalled,” De Leon said. “I was subject to a Blue Ribbon Committee investigation, but it was never completed.

The instruction to me was no interview. If there are problems with NICA, no interview. That’s how it is.” De Leon expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the book, including author May Barangan and her husband, Tony Gomez, who facilitated the use of an airstrip during the operation. He also acknowledged the contributions of those who participated in the arms landing, including members of the Presidential Guard, the Air Force, and the Army. “We should have been under a communist rule,” De Leon said.

“It could have been a different way. So many lost their lives in July 1970. Their deaths could have been put to waste. But remember them. Let us remember them because they sacrificed for democracy and freedom that we are enjoying.” For his part, NICA Deputy Director-General Restituto Santos emphasized the importance of the book in correcting historical narratives and providing justice to those unjustly accused or maligned. “This book will help us bury or avoid false stories,” Santos said.

“It will give justice to those who were wrongly accused, belittled, and suspected of being traitors because they were not given the opportunity to tell what they knew about this part of our history.” Santos stressed the book’s role in honoring the sacrifices made by those who fought for the country. “This book contains all the truth that will honor our comrades who sacrificed their lives for our country and for the Filipinos,” he said. “I hope we can be witnesses today and be proud of what happened then and learn the truth about this part of our history.” De Leon, meanwhile,
emphasized the importance of remembering the past to inform the future.

“This book will inspire us,” he said. “It will be an inspiration. We are now conscious of history, we will now be prepared for progress and development.” The book launch served as a platform to honor the sacrifices of those involved in the MV Karagatan Arms Landing and to ensure that their contributions to Philippine history are not
forgotten. The book’s publication is a significant step in preserving historical accuracy and fostering a deeper understanding of this pivotal event.

It can be recalled based on reports that in July 1972, the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the
Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), attempted to smuggle weapons from China into the Philippines using the ship MV Karagatan. This operation failed, but the incident played a significant role in Philippine history. Then President Ferdinand E. Marcos cited the MV Karagatan incident as one of the reasons for imposing martial law in the Philippines in September 1972. Marcos argued that the incident demonstrated a growing communist threat
and justified his need to take control of the country to prevent further unrest.

(PIA-NCR)