Manila steps up oil firm security

Manila steps up oil firm security

MANILA (Reuters): Philippine President Fidel Ramos
ordered security tightened around all government offices and oil
facilities yesterday as the military freed the chief of a
Communist rebel group suspected of attacking two oil offices.

Ramos described as "barbaric" Monday's simultaneous attacks by
gunmen on offices of the state Energy Regulatory Board and the
country's largest oil firm, Petron Corp.

Unidentified assailants raked one office with gunfire and
hurled a grenade at the other. No one was hurt and the attackers
escaped.

The president's remarks coincided with the release from army
detention of rebel leader Nilo de la Cruz, alleged commander in
chief of the Communist hit squad Alex Boncayao Brigade, which
police have blamed for Monday's incidents.