Philippine security agencies are verifying reports that a father-and-son duo behind Australia’s deadliest mass shooting may have traveled to the Philippines about a month before the attack, prompting a quiet but urgent review by the National Security Council (NSC).
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed on Tuesday that the NSC is validating claims that Sajid and Naveed Akram, identified as the perpetrators of the Bondi Beach attack, had stayed in the country prior to the assault during a Hanukkah event in Sydney.
“The (NSC) is aware of reports that the individuals involved in the Bondi Beach shooting in Australia had previously traveled to the Philippines, and these reports are currently being validated,” Castro said during a Palace briefing.
Australian media reports claimed the two underwent “military-style” training during their visit, with authorities linking the attack to ISIS-inspired extremism. The incident left at least 16 people dead and 40 others hospitalized, marking the deadliest mass shooting in Australian history. Sajid Akram was killed by police at the scene, while his son Naveed remains under hospital care.
Despite the reports, Malacañang said there is no confirmed information that the Philippines was used as a staging ground for the attack.
“This is not considered a serious or immediate concern. Standard security, immigration, and counterterrorism protocols remain fully active, with coordination ongoing with Australian authorities,” Castro said.
The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney earlier confirmed that no Filipinos were among the casualties. The development has renewed calls for closer cross-border counterterrorism cooperation, amid regional concerns over extremist radicalization and international travel routes.