The Philippine government is investigating the recent travel to the country of two suspects in the deadly Bondi Beach shooting in Australia, while rejecting claims that they underwent terrorist training during their nearly month-long stay in Mindanao.
In a statement on Wednesday, December 17, National Security Council (NSC) Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año said Philippine authorities are closely coordinating with Australian officials to determine the purpose of the visit of Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed, who entered the country through Manila and traveled to Davao City from November 1 to 28.
“There is no valid report or confirmation that the two received any form of military training while in the country, and no evidence supports such a claim at present,” Año said, noting that the duration of their stay would not have allowed for any “meaningful or structured training.”
The statement followed remarks by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that the shooting was “motivated by ISIS ideology.” The attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, left at least 15 people dead, aged 10 to 87.
Año also dismissed reports claiming the suspects underwent “military-style training” in the Philippines and criticized portrayals of Mindanao as a hub of violent extremism, calling them “outdated and misleading.”
“The loss of senior figures has weakened organizational structures and diminished the ability of these groups to plan, direct, and sustain operations. There has been a marked decline in manpower, firearms, influence, and violent incidents,” Año said, citing sustained counterterrorism efforts since the 2017 Marawi siege.
He added that international assessments show only remnants of extremist groups remain, crediting security operations, peace-building efforts, and progress in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao for improved stability.
“We remain committed to regional and global security and stand ready to support Australia and the international community in addressing terrorism in all its forms,” Año said.