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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider Cotabato town denies barangay a safe haven for Bondi Beach shooters

Cotabato town denies barangay a safe haven for Bondi Beach shooters

Published Jan 12, 2026 06:31 pm
ABONADO
ABONADO
KIDAPAWAN CITY – The local government of M’lang, Cotabato denied reports that Barangay Dungoan in M'lang served as a safe have for the Bondi Beach shooters in Australia.
“This characterization is not only false and misleading, but deeply harmful to our community's reputation and the safety of our residents,” the manifesto said.
The manifesto was signed by Mayor Emmanuel Abonado, Vice Mayor Giovanni Tejada, municipal councilors, and barangay captains.
The Bureau of Immigration confirmed that Sajid Akram and son Naveed were in the Philippines from Nov. 1 to 28.
They stayed in a budget hotel in Davao City and spent most of their times inside their rooms, according to hotel staff.
Two weeks later, on Sunday, Dec. 14, they went on a shooting rampage in Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Sixteen people were killed.
Local officials called out Sydney Morning Herald for unjustly characterizing the community in connection with the tragic Bondi Beach shooting incident.
Aside from the Sydney Morning Herald, the municipality was also mentioned in a news report posted by the ABC News.
The Australian news outlets quoted an anonymous police source who claimed that the mobile number used by the duo was  traced in M’lang.
“M'lang should not be carelessly implicated in terror investigations. We have worked tirelessly alongside Philippine authorities to maintain peace and security. We actively report any suspicious activities to proper authorities,” the local officials emphasized.
The news report, they added, is damaging to the reputation of the municipality and endangered residents.
They added that the connections with the Bondi shooters does not exist and the claim could only undermine the years of peacebuilding efforts in Mindanao.
Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza backed the manifesto of the local government, saying that the false information should be corrected as it will not just damage the province’s reputation but also endanger the lives of residents.
Mendoza emphasized the importance of responsible reporting as well as publicizing sensitive information, more particularly those related to peace and security. 

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