Internal security founded on a sense of national identity.

“There is nothing to fear”, (Quirino assured the nation. ) “… stooped down to meet a free Luis Taruc, had him as my guest in my own home, gave him facilities, helped seat him in Congress and get his backpay, and extended to him many other facilities the government can offer.”

President Elpidio Quirino

Quirino’s trip to the Huk provinces of Central Luzon electrified the nation. It was hailed everywhere as a prelude to peace. Congressional and administration leaders strongly endorsed it. The Manila Daily Bulletin (1948 April), announced in a streamer PRESIDENT INSPECTS HEART OF HUKLAND. The Manila Times (1948 April) declared in its headline: QUIRINO VISITS HUK PROVINCES. The President’s venture into the “no man’s land territory” was perceived as indicating Quirino’s genuine desire to resolve the serious Hukbalahap problem which had been plaguing the national life. Six months later, Quirino would make a second visit to the area, explaining that he wanted “to observe how the evacuees are being taken care of and to view the rice crop which is about to be harvested.”Twice, Quirino had been dissuaded by his close advisers from visiting Huklandia. But twice the President ignored his advisers.