Cops tighten security on oil firms' HQs in southern Metro Manila
Police in southern Metro Manila on Thursday tightened security around the offices of major oil firms, in anticipation of protests by militant groups against high prices of fuel. Southern Police District deputy head Senior Superintendent Federico Castro ordered at least 200 police personnel to guard the offices of Shell, Chevron and Petron, radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported. Castro said that while organizers claimed they would picket only the office of Petron, he does not want to take chances of lightning rallies at other oil firms' headquarters. He said he has also ordered his personnel to keep watch over routes in southern Metro Manila that may be affected by Thursday's protest. These include jeep routes in Alabang, Las Piñas, Parañaque and Muntinlupa Cities, he said. Militant groups had planned a protest caravan against high fuel prices for Thursday. The caravan was to start at the Quezon City Memorial Circle and proceed to Makati City. Other activities include: