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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP urges caution as BI confirms Bondi shooting suspects' prior visit to PH

AFP urges caution as BI confirms Bondi shooting suspects' prior visit to PH

Published Dec 16, 2025 12:43 pm  |  Updated Dec 16, 2025 01:12 pm
Camp Aguinaldo (Photo: Martin A. Sadongdong/MANILA BULLETIN)
Camp Aguinaldo (Photo: Martin A. Sadongdong/MANILA BULLETIN)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday, Dec. 16, insisted there is no verified information linking the two suspects in the recent mass shooting at the Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia to suspected terrorist groups as they had reportedly visited the Philippines last month.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military is aware of media reports alleging that the suspects, identified as Indian father-and-son Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24, had traveled to the country and may have ties to terrorist organizations.
She stressed, however, that such claims remain unsubstantiated.
“At this time, there is no validated information confirming such claims,” Padilla said.
The AFP also could not verify reports that the suspects underwent any “military-style” training during their stay in the Philippines, as claimed by Australian authorities.
Australian police noted that “homemade” Islamic State (IS) flags were found in the suspects’ possession, suggesting the attack may have been inspired by IS ideology.
Padilla said that concerns involving the movements of foreign nationals and possible terrorist links are being closely coordinated with the appropriate government agencies.
The AFP, she said, continues to work with the broader security sector to remain vigilant against any form of terrorism and stands ready to support civilian authorities in protecting national security.
The AFP issued the statement as the Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed that the suspects had previously entered the Philippines last month.
The Immigration said the suspects arrived in the country together on Nov. 1 from Sydney, Australia. Both reported Davao as their final destination.
The suspects left the country on Nov. 28 on a connecting flight from Davao to Manila, with Sydney as their final destination, the BI added.
The BI did not disclose the purpose of the suspects’ visit or whether they were under monitoring at the time.
At least 15 people were killed during the Dec. 14 attack during a Hanukkah celebration.

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