The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has officially confirmed that the two primary suspects in last week's deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia resided in the Philippines for almost a full month prior to the attack.
Immigration Details and Travel Timeline
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, arrived in the Philippines from Sydney, Australia on November 1, 2025. The pair then departed the country on November 28, 2025. Sandoval clarified that the elder Akram is an Indian national with Australian residency, while his son is an Australian national.
Upon their entry, the father and son declared to immigration authorities that their destination within the country was Davao province.
AFP Launches Full-Scale Investigation
In an interview on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner confirmed that a thorough investigation into the activities of the two men during their stay is already underway.
"As of now, the information we have gathered confirms they arrived here in the Philippines and went to Davao. We are investigating further the specific places they visited and who they talked to," General Brawner said.
He addressed public speculation head-on, noting the country's significant progress in counter-terrorism. "The country has a huge accomplishment in eliminating terrorists, from 2,000 members during the Marawi siege, now there are only a few left. That's why we cannot see any indication that the two gunmen from Bondi Beach trained here. We are studying all angles," Brawner emphasized.
Coordinated Government Probe
According to Brawner, all relevant government investigative agencies are now involved in the probe concerning the two armed men. The suspects are accused of opening fire at a Jewish holiday celebration on December 14, an attack that killed at least 16 individuals, including one of the assailants.
The coordinated effort aims to uncover the full purpose and scope of the Akrams' visit to the Philippines, ensuring no stone is left unturned in this international security matter.
