Heightened alert for maids at Forbes

The posh community of Barangay Forbes Park has tapped maids, drivers, cooks and security guards to serve as watchers against possible threats of terrorist attacks.

Forbes Barangay Chairman Jose Concepcion Jr. said the community has decided to take a citizens-based approach in its fight against criminality and terrorism.

The barangay council was convened last Monday to discuss the security concerns in the community, which is host to 32 embassies as well as some of the country’s top business leaders.

Present during the meeting were representatives from the Forbes Park Association, Manila Polo Club, Manila Golf Club, Makati Police, Department of Foreign Affairs and members of the diplomatic corps.

According to Concepcion, the council agreed to tap the services of residents and household employees as a complement to the existing security personnel inside the subdivision.

A total of 40 street blocks will be closely monitored including nine areas which have been described as critical by the council.

The nine areas were not disclosed, but Concepcion described them as "possible targets where additional measures will be taken."

Concepcion stressed that if all barangays effectively organize a citizens’ watch brigade, residents can be true partners of authorities in fighting this war." – Marvin Sy