Philippine authorities are validating reports that the father and son involved in the Bondi Beach shooting in Australia traveled to the Philippines weeks before the attack, according to Malacañang.
The National Security Council said it is examining information that Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed Akram, were in the Philippines about a month before the shooting that left at least 16 people dead and dozens injured during a Hanukkah event in Sydney.
“The National Security Council 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,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a press briefing.
Castro issued the statement following reports that the father and son had undergone “military-style” training in the Philippines prior to the attack. Authorities have not confirmed the nature, location, or details of any such activity.
The Bureau of Immigration confirmed that the two arrived in the Philippines from Australia on November 1 and declared Davao City as their destination. They left the country on November 28 on a connecting flight from Davao to Manila, with Sydney listed as their final destination, according to Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval.
Sandoval said Sajid Akram entered the Philippines using an Indian passport, while Naveed Akram entered using an Australian passport.
Philippine authorities said there is no confirmed information indicating that the visit posed a security threat to the country. Castro said coordination with Australian counterparts remains ongoing as part of standard security and counterterrorism procedures.
“This is not considered a serious or immediate concern. Standard security, immigration, and counterterrorism protocols remain fully active, with coordination ongoing with Australian authorities,” she said.
In Australia, authorities confirmed that Sajid Akram was shot and killed by police at the scene of the attack, while Naveed Akram remains hospitalized. At least 16 people were killed in the shooting, while around 40 others remain hospitalized.
Australian officials said Naveed Akram had previously been investigated by the country’s intelligence agency in 2019 due to associations of concern. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said investigators found “no evidence” during a six month investigation that either the father or son had been radicalised at the time.
The two were not on a terrorism watchlist prior to the attack, and Sajid Akram, a licensed gun owner, was not barred from legally accessing firearms.
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said there had been “a radical change in the risk profile of that individual” since the 2019 investigation, referring to Naveed Akram. When asked whether the Philippines travel had been flagged to Australian authorities beforehand, Burke did not directly answer.
Australian authorities have said the attack was “inspired by Islamic State,” based on information gathered during the investigation.
The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney said no Filipinos were reported killed or injured in the attack.
Authorities in both countries continue to review the travel records and movements of the two men as part of ongoing investigations.
