The suspects in Monday’s deadly Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney, Australia recently traveled to the Philippines, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed on Tuesday, but stressed that they had no verified connection to local terrorist groups.
“The AFP is aware of media reports about certain foreign nationals traveling to the Philippines and possible links to terrorist groups. At this time, there is no validated information confirming such claims,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla told reporters.
She said that the movements of foreign nationals and any potential terror links are being closely watched by the relevant Philippine government agencies.
Australian media identified the attackers as father-and-son Sajid Akram, 50, an Indian national and Australian resident, and Naveed Akram, 24, an Australian national. The two opened fire on Hanukkah crowds at Bondi Beach Sunday evening, killing 15 people — including a 10-year-old girl — and wounding dozens more.
Sajid was killed in a police shootout, while Naveed remains hospitalized in critical condition under police guard.
According to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Sajid and Naveed 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 left the country on 28 November, flying from Davao to Manila on their way back to Sydney.
Australian authorities have suggested the attackers may have had ties to the Islamic State, noting the IS flags found in their vehicle at Bondi Beach. But AFP’s Padilla stressed that while the reports are being monitored, there is no evidence linking their Philippine visit to terrorist activity.
“The AFP continues to work with the broader security sector to maintain vigilance against any form of terrorism and remains fully committed to supporting the civilian authorities in safeguarding national security,” Padilla said.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is also looking into the reports.
PNP spokesperson Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said Acting PNP Chief P/Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. is coordinating with the BI to trace the suspects’ movements in the country.
Information sharing in progress
The PNP is validating reports the Bondi attackers were in the Philippines before the shooting incident, including reviewing immigration data and their activities during their stay.
The AFP has also been monitoring intelligence reports about potential terror links, working with the PNP and foreign partners such as the Australian Federal Police. Philippine authorities haven’t disclosed specifics, but joint Phl-Australia law enforcement frameworks — like liaison officers, intelligence cooperation, and training exercises — are being used to share relevant data.
Australian coordination and consular channels
On the Australian side, New South Wales Police and the Australian Federal Police are leading the criminal and counterterrorism investigation. They are relying on partner countries for immigration records, travel histories, and intelligence about possible militant contacts abroad.
The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney is coordinating with Australian authorities to check if Filipinos were among the shooting victims.
So far, Philippine officials said that while monitoring and cooperation are ongoing, there’s no confirmed link between the suspects’ November visit to Davao and local terrorist networks, pending further investigation alongside Australian authorities.