The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday confirmed that the suspects in the Bondi Beach shooting in Australia over the weekend stayed in the Philippines last month.
BI Spokesperson Dana Sandoval said Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24, both Indian nationals, arrived in the Philippines from Sydney last Nov. 1.
“Both reported Davao as their final destination,” she said in a message to reporters.
“They left the country on Nov. 28, 2025 on a connecting flight from Davao to Manila, with Sydney as their final destination.”
Sandoval said Naveed is an Indian-Australian citizen.
On Sunday, the suspects opened fire on crowds during a celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, killing 15 people and wounding several others.
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño earlier said PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. was coordinating with the BI about the matter.
“The [acting Chief PNP], thru the [Directorate for Intelligence] is validating the said report and coordination with BI is underway,” he said in a message sent to reporters Tuesday.
Following the Bondi Beach attack, Nartatez assured the public that the PNP will remain on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents.
He said 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.
“The Philippine National Police is maintaining heightened vigilance to deter provocateurs and prevent any security threat,” Nartatez said.
“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 added.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said that it is also validating claims that the suspects have links and training with local terror groups in the country.
“The Bureau of Immigration 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 reporters.
Earlier reports had the two suspects visiting the country in November.
“The AFP statement is clear, we are validating such information together with other government agencies and the broader intelligence community,” Padilla said.
