The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has officially confirmed that the two individuals suspected of carrying out the deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia were in the Philippines for almost a month prior to the attack.
Immigration Details and Travel Itinerary
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval provided specific travel records. She stated that 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, arrived in the Philippines from Sydney, Australia on November 1, 2025. The pair subsequently departed the country on November 28, 2025.
Sandoval clarified the suspects' nationalities, noting that the elder Akram is an Indian national who holds Australian residency, while his son is an Australian national. Upon their entry, the duo declared their destination as Davao province.
AFP Launches Investigation into Philippine Activities
In a statement on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner announced that a thorough investigation is underway. Military and government agencies are probing the father and son's movements and contacts during their extended stay.
"At this time, the only information we have so far is that it is true they arrived here in the Philippines and went to Davao," Brawner said. "We are further investigating the places they went to and who they spoke with."
General Brawner also addressed speculation about possible terrorist training, highlighting the country's significant progress in counter-terrorism. "At present, the country has achieved a major accomplishment in eliminating terrorists... That is why we do not see evidence to support the claim that the two gunmen at Bondi Beach trained here. We are studying all possible angles," he emphasized.
Government Assurance and Ongoing Coordination
The tragic incident occurred on December 14, when the suspects opened fire at a Jewish holiday celebration in Sydney, resulting in at least 16 fatalities, including one of the gunmen.
In a related press conference, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro sought to reassure the public. She indicated that there is no immediate indication the suspects' prior visit poses a direct security threat to the Philippines.
Castro affirmed that all standard security, immigration, and counterterrorism protocols remain fully operational. She also noted that ongoing coordination with Australian authorities is a key part of the investigative process as more details emerge about the suspects' international travels and motivations.
