Philippines Rejects Claims of Terrorist Training
Philippine authorities have dismissed claims that the suspected gunmen behind Australia’s deadly Bondi Beach shooting received terrorist or military training in the southern Philippines, saying there is no evidence to support the allegations.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Año confirmed that the two suspects — Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24 — had visited the country briefly in November. However, Año said their presence alone did not indicate any involvement in extremist activity or militant training.
“A mere visit does not support allegations of terrorist training,” Año said, adding that the duration and nature of their stay would not have allowed for any “meaningful or structured training”.
Travel Details Confirmed, No Security Red Flags Found
According to Philippine immigration records, the father and son were in the country from November 1 to November 28, entering through Manila before travelling to Davao City on the southern island of Mindanao.
Officials said Sajid Akram entered the Philippines using an Indian passport, while Naveed Akram travelled on an Australian passport.
Local media outlet MindaNews reported that hotel staff in Davao observed the pair spending most of their time inside their room, rarely leaving for more than short periods during their nearly month-long stay. The account further weakens claims that they were involved in militant training activities.
Mindanao ‘No Longer a Terror Hotspot’, Says Adviser
Año also pushed back against portrayals of Mindanao as a global hotspot for violent extremism, calling such descriptions “outdated and misleading”.
Since the 2017 Marawi siege, during which ISIL-inspired fighters briefly seized the southern city, Philippine security forces have significantly weakened extremist networks in the region, he said.
“The remnants of these groups have been fragmented, deprived of leadership, and operationally degraded,” Año noted.
He added that the 2014 peace agreement that created the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has contributed to greater stability, despite sporadic violence by smaller armed groups.
Charges Filed as Survivor Wakes From Coma
Australian authorities announced on Wednesday that Naveed Akram has been charged with 59 offences, including murder and terrorism-related crimes, after regaining consciousness from a coma.
His father, Sajid Akram, was shot and killed by police at the scene of the attack.
The Bondi Beach shooting, which targeted a Jewish event on December 14, left 15 people dead and dozens injured, making it one of the deadliest acts of mass violence in Australia’s recent history.
Australia Moves to Tighten Hate Speech and Visa Laws
In response to the attack, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans to introduce new legislation aimed at strengthening the country’s hate speech and extremism laws.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Albanese said the government would seek to make it easier to charge individuals who promote hate or incite violence, including religious preachers.
The proposed measures would also give authorities expanded powers to cancel or deny visas to people who spread “hate and division”, and to target organisations whose leaders engage in extremist rhetoric.
‘An Attack on the Australian Way of Life’
Albanese said the Bondi Beach shooting followed a rise in anti-Semitic incidents across Australia since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel and Israel’s subsequent war on Gaza.
“It was an attack on our Jewish community — but it was also an attack on the Australian way of life,” Albanese said. “Australians are shocked and angry. I am angry. It is clear we need to do more to combat this evil scourge.”
Gun Law Reforms Also Under Consideration
Separately, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns announced plans to recall the state parliament next week to push through urgent reforms to gun laws, as public pressure grows for stronger safeguards following the mass shooting.
Authorities have emphasised that investigations into the attack are ongoing, with intelligence agencies continuing to examine the attackers’ motivations, online activity, and international movements.
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