The National Security Council (NSC) on Tuesday said it is still awaiting full reports as authorities verify the details surrounding the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) confirmation that the father-and-son gunmen in the fatal Bondi Beach attack in Sydney, Australia had stayed in the Philippines in November.
NSC Spokesperson Cornelio Valencia told Manila Standard that they are working with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the BI to determine the nature of the suspects’ visit and whether any unlawful activities were committed while they were in the country.
“As of now, we are still awaiting reports. We are closely coordinating with relevant agencies to verify the details of their visit and determine whether any unlawful activities occurred on Philippine soil,” the NSC said.
The BI through spokesperson Dana Sandoval confirmed that the gunmen were in the Philippines for almost the entire month of November. The father, identified as Sajid Akram reportedly entered the country as an Indian national. He traveled with his son, Naveed, from Manila to Davao.
PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. has ordered their Directorate for Intelligence to work with the BI in validating reports related to the visit made by the suspects prior to their mass shooting in Sydney, according to PNP spokesperson Brigadier Gen. Randulf Tuaño.
“The [Acting Chief PNP], thru the [Directorate for Intelligence] is validating the said report and coordination with BI is underway,” Tuaño said in a message sent to reporters.
Nartatez assured the public that the PNP will remain on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents and to protect the safety of every Filipino following the Bondi Beach attack on Monday, December 15 that left at least 15 people dead.
“The Philippine National Police is maintaining heightened vigilance to deter provocateurs and prevent any security threat,” the acting PNP chief said.
Nartatez also said that police units across the country have been instructed to strengthen their presence in public areas, major thoroughfares, and key venues where holiday events and gatherings are expected.
“I have directed our commanders to deploy sufficient numbers of personnel to ensure visible police presence in crowded areas to provide security reassurance to the public while discouraging potential troublemakers,” he noted.
According to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese the suspects had likely been radicalized by “Islamic State ideology.”
While the BI had confirmed the visit of the two suspects in the Philippines last November, the AFP said it is still too early to tell on whether they have links and training with any terrorist group in the country.
“The BI confirms their visit to the country, however, it is not conclusive on the claims that both suspects are linked to any terrorist group and received training here in our country,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a message to reports.
She added that the AFP is still in the process of ” validating such information” together with other government agencies and the broader intelligence community.
Padilla also said the Philippine military remains committed to working with the broader security sector to maintain vigilance against any form of terrorism.
The AFP is also fully committed to supporting civilian authorities in safeguarding national security, in accordance with the Constitution and existing laws.
The BI earlier said Sajid, 50, and Naveed, 24, arrived in the Philippines together last November 1, 2025 from Sydney, Australia. “Both reported Davao as their final destination,” according to the immigration bureau.
The NSC said Philippine authorities are examining all available information in coordination with international partners to ensure a thorough assessment of the case.
“The NSC remains vigilant in preventing any terrorist activity within Philippine territory and continues to enhance coordination with international partners to safeguard national security,” it added.
