The Philippines immigration agency confirmed on 16/12 that Australian shooters Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram entered the country in early November, traveling to Davao city on Mindanao island.
Mindanao has a history of uprisings by extremist groups, particularly those linked to the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS). Australian officials are investigating if the Akrams met with extremists during their visit.
Presidential spokesperson Claire Castro today dismissed the speculation, stating there is no information or confirmation to suggest the two Australian shooters underwent any form of training in the Philippines.
"President Ferdinand Marcos resolutely rejects the misinformation and false depiction of the Philippines as an IS terrorist training hotspot," Castro said.
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Two suspects in the Bondi Beach shooting, Australia on 14/12. Photo: Sky News |
Philippine military spokesperson Francel Padilla also affirmed that Islamic armed groups in Mindanao have been significantly weakened. The military has not recorded any major terrorist activities or training by these groups since 2024.
"They have been dispersed and lack leadership," Padilla stated.
Military official Xerxes Trinidad noted that the Akram father and son "did not have enough time for formal training" during their trip to Davao. "Training is not possible in just 30 days, especially for shooting," Trinidad added.
However, security analyst Rommel Banlaoi in Manila argued that despite ongoing crackdowns, rebel groups in the Philippines have not been completely eliminated.
"Many training camps are still active in Mindanao. They haven't disappeared," Banlaoi said, adding that even weakened rebel movements maintain online contact both domestically and internationally.
Naveed and Sajid are accused of opening fire on members of the Jewish community as they celebrated Hanukkah at Bondi Beach on the evening of 14/12. The attack resulted in 15 deaths. Sajid was shot dead by police at the scene, while Naveed was seriously wounded. The latter has since emerged from a coma and is now being questioned.
Australian police announced that Naveed faces 59 charges, including terrorism, murder, and grievous bodily harm. Australia is continuing to investigate links between the attack and IS. Authorities previously found improvised explosive devices and two IS flags in the suspect's car.
Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, AP)
