Tourism officials in the Philippines said the threat from an Islamic State-related group to bomb the Miss Universe pageant in 2017 was “serious.”
The threat was discovered by SITE Intelligence Group in a pro-ISIS social media channel, Rappler said. A video showing how to make suicide belts was uploaded, including a 49-page guide on how to produce explosives.
Foreign DeskThe post coming from a jihadi encouraged “everyone who can” to launch attacks at the upcoming pageant, Fox News reported. The author called for “brothers who love martyrdom” and asked to target foreigners whose countries have fought against ISIS.
Potential recruits were advised to use the social media network’s secret chat feature to coordinate attacks.
According to Philippine National Police spokesman Dionardo Carlos, the threat will be referred to an intelligence group assigned to the beauty contest.
Manila will be holding the Miss Universe pageant in 2017. Previously, it hosted other big events such as Pope Francis’ visit and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
Despite the threat, officials stressed that the country will be ready to host the beauty contest next year.
Last year’s title was a memorable victory for the Philippines’ Pia Wurtzbach, when host Steve Harvey proclaimed Colombia’s Ariadna Gutierrez by mistake.
