Manila: The Philippines has firmly rejected assertions that the father and son responsible for the Bondi Beach mass shooting in Australia had undergone terrorist training within its borders. Officials have emphasized that there is no evidence to substantiate such claims.
According to Thai News Agency, the presidential spokesman addressed the media, relaying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s strong opposition to any generalizations or distortions that paint the Philippines as a hub for Islamic State (ISIS) training. The spokesman clarified that no proof has been provided to suggest the country is utilized as a training ground for terrorism. Additionally, there are no confirmed reports indicating that the individuals involved in the Bondi Beach attack received training in the Philippines.
The Philippine Immigration Bureau previously confirmed that Sajid Akram and his son Navid Akram, perpetrators of the attack that killed 15 and injured dozens at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, entered the Philippines on November 1, with their destination being Davao Province in the south. Davao is part of Mindanao, a region with a history of unrest involving extremist groups. Australian authorities are examining whether the duo engaged with such groups during their visit. However, the Philippine military has noted that these militant factions have been significantly weakened in recent years, especially since the siege of Marawi City. No major terrorist activities or training have been detected since early 2024, and the groups are now fragmented and leaderless. The military also argued that the time spent by the father and son in the Philippines was insufficient for substantial training, particularly in skills like marksmanship.
Despite the military’s assurances, security analysts in Manila caution that, while many insurgent groups are diminished, they are not entirely eradicated. Training camps reportedly remain operational in Mindanao, and these groups continue to sustain domestic and international networks via online platforms.