The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has called on media outfits across the world to be mindful of their reporting concerning the Philippines' connection with the deadly shooting incident in Bondi Beach in Australia.

The DFA on Tuesday, Dec. 23, made an appeal to local and media organizations "to ensure accuracy, balance, and context in their reporting."

They must also "avoid sweeping generalizations and amplifying speculation that may spread misinformation or inflame prejudice," it added.

DFA's pronouncement came after some foreign news outlets tagged the Philippines a "terror hotspot" after the two suspects in the Bondi beach incident was reported to have flown to the country before launching on Dec. 14 Australia's one of the worst terror attacks, killing 15.

Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, arrived in the Philippines on Nov. 1 and stayed mostly inside a hotel in Davao City until they left the country on Nov. 28.

According to DFA, the Philippine government already "has made a lot of significant strides in improving the domestic security situation in order to promote and sustain peace and order, and socio-economic development around the country."

For DFA, it is important to allow competent authorities to complete their investigations and of exercising care against misleading characterizations, especially of the security situation in the Philippines, while facts are still being established.

"The Philippine Government is in close coordination with Australian authorities through existing bilateral mechanisms to verify information related to the matter, in line with established security and law enforcement cooperation," it said.

DFA said it is committed to contributing to regional and international efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism.

These include sustained information sharing, law enforcement collaboration, and border security cooperation with Australia and other partner countries.