In our previous articles we had talked about Fox reporting a threat on the Miss Universe contest in Philippines next year in 2017, by a jihadist group. Then the Philippines government issued a statement saying that they were taking the threats seriously. Earlier it seemed, only the Miss Universe pageant was under threats, but now more beauty pageants are being targeted across Philippines.
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In an online forum, these terrorist groups discussed about collecting information about more beauty pageants. They also plan to target festival gatherings like Kadayawan and Kalivungan held in the cities of Davao and Kidapawan, respectively. To celebrate the 102nd founding anniversary of North Cotabato province, the Mutya ng Cotabato pageant in Kidapawan City for the Kalivungan Festival will be held. The cities under threat are Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Vigan, and tourist spots in the Visayas such as Palawan and Boracay, according to the Department of Tourism.
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Miss Universe pageant is scheduled on 30th January, 2017, but the venue is still not known. The government says that they are taking the threats seriously and all the important security measures will be taken.
According to SITE Intel Group, an international agency that tracks online activities of jihadist organizations, the fora was created by IS Philippines supporters. These online fora carry videos/tutorials to create a bomb at home.
The threats on beauty pageants are a matter of grave concern. These pageants celebrate beauty and national pride and every measure should be taken in order to protect them.
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