[A]n association of multinational oil companies operating in Colombia said…it's the government's job, and not that of the companies themselves, to provide security to oil workers and infrastructure against rebel attacks. "We as a sector understand…that security will be provided exclusively by the state," Alejandro Martinez, president of the Colombian Oil Association [said]…Martinez’ comments come…after Defense Minister…said the sharp growth in Colombia's oil sector has made it impossible for military and police to adequately protect all oil installations…[and that] oil companies need their own private security forces to help government troops combat a wave of attacks and kidnappings…Martinez, whose association members include…Exxon Mobil…and Occidental Petroleum…pointed out that in addition to paying regular taxes…the oil industry…has an agreement with the government in which it pays…100 billion pesos…a year for government troops to provide the necessary security…[also refers to Canada'sAlange Energy, Sinochem International]