Philippine security officials and regional leaders are actively addressing international speculation surrounding the recent visit to Mindanao by two individuals now accused of a mass shooting in Sydney, Australia. Authorities have firmly rejected any suggestion that the father and son received terrorist training during their stay in the southern Philippines.
Confirmed Visit, No Evidence of Training Found
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration confirmed that 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, entered the country on November 1, 2025. They remained in Davao City until November 28 before returning to Sydney. In Australia, they are accused of carrying out a deadly attack during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, which resulted in at least 15 fatalities and dozens of injuries.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año stressed that investigators found no indication the suspects underwent terrorist or military-style training while in the Philippines. "A mere visit does not support allegations of terrorist training," Año stated, explaining that the pair spent most of their 28-day stay isolated in their hotel room with minimal outside contact.
Davao City police, after reviewing CCTV footage, hotel records, and travel logs, traced the men's movements. Their outings were brief and infrequent. "Every morning they would go out and return within two to three hours; the longest was eight hours," Año detailed. "Any window like that would not suffice for organized training or travel outside Davao." Investigators also confirmed neither man visited any known gun ranges in the area.
Mindanao Leaders Reject 'Terror Hotspot' Label
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chair Leo Tereso A. Magno strongly criticized international reports describing Mindanao as a terrorism hotspot, calling such labels "misleading and unfair." He emphasized that no evidence connects the region to the planning, radicalization, or execution of the Bondi Beach attack.
"Mindanao today is far more stable, secure, and peaceful than in past decades," Magno asserted, pointing to sustained peace agreements, counter-terrorism efforts, and community initiatives. He warned that sensationalized terminology could damage the region's economic growth, tourism, and investment prospects, noting that Mindanao welcomes millions of visitors every year.
International Scrutiny and Local Economic Concerns
While Australian authorities, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, have linked the Sydney assault to Islamic State ideology, they have not pointed to activities in the Philippines. Nonetheless, some foreign media and officials are examining the Akrams' travel history for clues about their motives and preparations.
Locally, business groups have voiced concern over the narrative. The European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines described references to Mindanao as a terror hub as "unfounded," arguing they undermine the region's significant economic and security progress. Business leaders echoed that such negative stereotypes could deter vital investment and tourism in an area focused on peace and development.
Philippine officials reiterated their full cooperation with Australian investigators. While treating the Bondi Beach shooting as a terrorist act, they stress that no verified link to terrorist activity in Mindanao has been established. Authorities are urging careful, evidence-based reporting to avoid inflaming public perceptions and threatening the region's hard-earned stability.
