Key Facts
• December 17, 2025: Philippine government denies evidence of terror training in the country.
• Sydney shooting suspects Sajid Akram and son Naveed visited the Philippines in November 2025.
• November 1, 2025: Suspects entered Davao region, Mindanao, known for past insurgencies.
• 15 killed, dozens injured in Bondi Beach shooting near Sydney.
• Philippine military states Mindanao insurgent groups were largely dismantled after 2017.
• Government confirms no verified reports of suspects receiving training in the Philippines.
• President Ferdinand Marcos strongly rejects claims linking the Philippines to terrorist training.
• Officials emphasize insufficient time for suspects to undergo substantial training during visit.
Summary
The Philippine government has denied allegations that the country served as a training ground for terrorists following revelations that the suspects in the Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney visited the Philippines prior to the attack. Sajid Akram and his son Naveed entered the Davao region in Mindanao on November 1, 2025, a region historically associated with insurgencies. However, officials highlighted that militant groups in the area have been largely dismantled since 2017. President Ferdinand Marcos dismissed claims of the Philippines being a terrorist training hub, citing a lack of evidence. The military also noted that the suspects’ brief stay in the country was insufficient for any substantial training. The Bondi Beach shooting resulted in 15 deaths and dozens of injuries, sparking international scrutiny. Philippine authorities continue to assert their commitment to counterterrorism and transparency.
