Security tightened in Forbes; embassies on alert

Security in the exclusive Forbes Park in Makati City was tightened yesterday in response to Saturday’s terrorist attacks in Indonesia as police authorities started providing additional security details to foreign embassies.

Forbes Park Barangay Captain Jose Concepcion Jr. told The STAR the increased security was meant as a precautionary measure to thwart possible attempts by terrorists.

"We are reviewing the security measures here in Forbes Park. This is just a precaution because of all the recent bombing incidents," Concepcion said.

Many of the foreign ambassadors and senior diplomats representing major countries reside in Forbes Park, which is also home to many of the country’s political and business elite. There are 32 embassies located inside Forbes Park.

"We have prepared for the worst case scenario in all embassies in Makati and Manila," Col. Julius Abanes, spokesman of the National Capital Region Police Office, told The STAR in a separate interview.

Meanwhile, the local police were also warned against possible attacks in key cities and municipalities, particularly in popular tourist destinations such as Davao and Cebu.

Sources from the local intelligence community revealed that areas being targeted by the terrorists suspected of having links with the Jemaah Islamiyah were those which are not Muslim populated.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. alerted all regional police commands as early as Sunday following attacks in Bali and Manado, Indonesia.

Ebdane ordered increased security in popular tourist spots but declined to identify specific areas.

The PNP chief also ordered stricter security measures on all Philippine embassies and consulates abroad as well as the foreign embassies in Metro Manila.