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.