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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DFA acknowledges Australia's update that Bondi shooting suspects didn't train in PH

DFA acknowledges Australia's update that Bondi shooting suspects didn't train in PH

Published Jan 6, 2026 12:15 pm
The Philippine government has acknowledged the initial assessment made by Australian police that there is no evidence of the Philippines' role for the terror attack that killed 15 individuals in Bondi Beach in Sydney.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday, Jan. 6, issued a statement, reaffirming the strong counter-terrorism cooperation between the two nations following updates on the investigation being conducted by Australian authorities.
"The DFA especially notes that the Australian Federal Police Commissioner shares the initial assessment of the Philippine National Police that 'there is no evidence to suggest they received training or underwent logistical preparation for their alleged attack' during their stay in the Philippines from 1 to 29 November 2025," the DFA said.
"The Australian Federal Police Commissioner further stated that 'there is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a broader terrorist cell or were directed by others to carry out an attack,' while underscoring that this assessment remains subject to continuing investigation," it added.
Father and son Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24, killed 15 at a Jewish event in Bondi Beach on Dec. 14. And although their records showed they went to the Philippines prior to the attack, they did not undergo training or "logistical preparation" there as early investigations from local authorities suggested they "rarely left their hotel," police said.
The update was issued during a joint press conference between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barret on Dec. 30.
During the briefing, Albanese expressed his appreciation for the cooperation extended by President Marcos, whom he called as "my friend," and by Philippine law enforcement agencies.
"Through him (Marcos), the agencies in the Philippines have done everything they can to provide information in a timely way, and that's a good thing," Albanese said.
Meanwhile, Barrett also acknowledged the prompt and effective assistance extended by Philippine authorities as he noted that "without their swift response, much of the CCTV footage that is now under review by our investigators would not have been available."
He even stressed that the Australian Federal Police and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have worked together for decades on counter-terrorism cooperation.
DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro reiterated Manila's firm commitment to counter terrorism, prevent violent extremism and nurture closer intelligence and law-enforcement cooperation with Canberra and other foreign partners.
The Philippines and Australia, according to DFA, will continue to jointly address transnational security threats, including terrorism, through sustained information sharing, operational coordination, and capacity-building initiatives.

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