President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has firmly rejected allegations connecting the Philippines to the training of violent extremists involved in a recent deadly mass shooting in Australia. The denial was issued by Malacañang on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
Palace Dismisses "Misleading" Allegations
During a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Attorney Claire Castro stated that the National Security Council (NSC) has conducted a review and found no evidence to support claims that the father-and-son suspects in the December 14 Sydney attack received terrorist instruction in the Philippines. The assault at Bondi Beach resulted in the deaths of 16 people, including one of the attackers.
"The President strongly rejects the sweeping statement and the misleading characterization of the Philippines as an Isis training hotspot," Castro emphasized. She clarified that reports labeling the country a haven for Islamic State-linked training are considered misleading, as no validated information has emerged to show the suspects had any form of training on Philippine soil.
NSC Cites Improved Security, Fragmented Terror Groups
The NSC, in a statement read by Castro, underscored that Philippine authorities, working with international partners, continue to verify all available information. However, no evidence has been presented to back the claim that the nation was used as a terrorist training ground for the Sydney assailants.
The council highlighted the significant progress made in domestic security, noting that Philippine forces have greatly weakened ISIS-affiliated groups since the 2017 Marawi siege. This has led to major improvements in the country's overall security environment.
Citing assessments from the United Nations and the U.S. government, the NSC pointed out that ISIS-linked factions in the Philippines now operate in a fragmented and diminished capacity. It added that most contemporary violence in Mindanao stems from long-standing local conflicts and clan disputes, rather than from the operational strength of international terrorist networks.
Continued Vigilance and International Cooperation
"These developments reflect the sustained efforts of our security forces and the resilience of our communities in advancing peace, order, and development across the nation," the NSC statement concluded.
Malacañang also announced that President Marcos has directed the Anti-Terrorism Council and other concerned agencies to remain vigilant against any potential terrorist activity. The President has ordered these bodies to continue strengthening cooperation with international partners to ensure national security is upheld.
