This announcement comes after price hikes at the nation’s pumps prompted grenade attacks on the offices of Petron and Caltex in Makati City.

Reports in the local media indicate the Philippines’ government will be raising fuel prices again.

In a statement Metro Manila police chief director Avelino Razon Jr said, “I met yesterday with representatives of oil companies to discuss coordinated efforts in securing their establishments against possible attacks. They were appreciative of our efforts to secure their areas [and have] vowed to cooperate fully with us to prevent another attack.”

“[I cannot] discuss the deployment pattern of the 1,800 policemen, but police visibility will be doubled to make it hard for armed groups to stage an attack,” he added.