President Marcos disputed claims labeling the Philippines as an "ISIS training hotspot," following reports that the suspects of the Bondi Beach mass shooting previously visited the country.

"[T]he President strongly rejects the sweeping statement and the misleading characterization of the Philippines as the ISIS training hotspot," Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro stated on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

This, after some foreign media outlets branded the Philippines as an ISIS training hotspot.

The National Security Council (NSC) also tagged the claims as misleading, stressing that there is no validated information that the suspects received any form of training in the country.

“Regarding reports describing the Philippines as an ISIS hotspot, the characterization is misleading. Currently, there is no validated report or confirmation that the individuals involved in the Bondi Beach incident received any form of training in the Philippines," the NSC said in a statement read by Castro during a Palace press briefing.

"Philippine authorities in coordination with international partners continue to verify all available information, but no evidence has been presented to support claims that the country was used for terrorist training," the NSC added.

The council further stressed that since the 2017 Marawi Siege, Philippine security forces have significantly degraded ISIS-affiliated groups in the country. 

It added that "both the United Nations and the US Government assessments indicate that these groups now operate in a fragmented and diminished capacity."

"Violence in Mindanao is largely driven by historical conflicts and local clan disputes rather than operation capacity of ISIS-affiliated organizations," the NSC said.
 
The NSC also emphasized that recent assessments indicate significant improvements in the domestic security environment that were previously affected by terrorism. 

The developments, the council noted, reflect the sustained efforts of the country's security forces and the resilience of communities in advancing peace, order, and development across the nation. 

It further said that Marcos ordered the anti-terrorism council and member-agencies "to remain vigilant in preventing any terrorist activity within Philippine territory and to continuously enhance coordination with international partners to safeguard national security."

Castro appealed to foreign media to "be responsible" in their statements.
 
"Maging mapanuri at maging responsable din po sa pagpapahayag at lalo po ito ay nakakaapekto sa integridad at imahe ng Pilipinas (Be discerning and responsible in expressing oneself, especially since this affects the integrity and image of the Philippines)," Castro said when sought for a statement.