Bondi Beach shooting suspects may have visited Philippines

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday acknowledged reports that the suspects in Monday’s deadly shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach may have recently traveled to the Philippines, but emphasized that any connections to local terrorist groups remain “unverified.”

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines is aware of media reports regarding the alleged travel of certain foreign individuals to the Philippines and possible links to terrorist groups. At this time, there is no validated information confirming such claims,” AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla told defense reporters in a text message.

She added that the movements of foreign nationals and potential links to terrorism are being closely coordinated with relevant government agencies.

Australian media identified the attackers as father-and-son duo Sajid Akram, 50, an Indian national and Australian resident, and Naveed Akram, 24, an Australian national.

The pair opened fire on crowds celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, killing 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl, and injuring dozens more.

Sajid Akram was killed in a police shootout, while his son remains hospitalized in critical condition under police guard.

According to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Sajid and Naveed Akram entered the Philippines on 1 November, arriving in Davao City from Sydney.

“Both reported Davao as their final destination,” said BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval.

The pair departed the country on 28 November, flying from Davao to Manila en route to Sydney.

Australian authorities have reported that the attackers may have had links to the Islamic State (IS), citing the presence of IS flags in their vehicle at Bondi Beach.

AFP’s spokesperson noted that while such reports are being monitored, there is no confirmed evidence tying the suspects’ visit to any terrorist activity in the Philippines.

“The AFP continues to work with the broader security sector to maintain vigilance against any form of terrorism and remains fully committed to supporting civilian authorities in safeguarding national security, in accordance with the Constitution and existing laws,” Padilla stressed.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño said the police force is also investigating the reports.

Tuaño noted that Acting PNP chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. is coordinating with the BI to validate the travelers’ movements.