Two suspected gunmen in the deadly Bondi shootings in Australia were discovered to have stayed in the Philippines for nearly a month last November, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
BI Spokesperson Dana Sandoval confirmed that “Sajid Akram, 50, an Indian national, and his son, Naveed Akram, 24, an Indian-Australian national, arrived in the Philippines together on Nov. 1, 2025 from Sydney, Australia.”
Sandoval said that the father and son reported Davao as their final destination.
“They left the country on Nov. 28, 2025 on a connecting flight from Davao to Manila, with Sydney as their final destination,” she added.
She also said that they arrived in the Philippines without any other companion.
Reports stated that Sajid was killed by authorities while his son Naveed is still confined in a hospital after having allegedly carried out the shootings that took place in Bondi beach in Sydney last Sunday, Dec. 14, during a Jewish Hanukkah event.
The shootings resulted in the deaths of 16 persons, including one of the suspects.
The same reports stated that Australian authorities found two flags of the militant group Islamic State in the gunmen’s vehicle.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is validating the BI information.
“The Acting Chief PNP, through the Director of the Directorate for Intelligence is validating the said report, and coordination with BI is underway,” said PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño.
Following the Bondi Beach attack, the PNP will remain on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents and to protect the safety of every Filipino.
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,” said Nartatez.
“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.
The Department of Migrant Workers reported that, so far, no Filipinos have been affected by the recent shooting incident abroad. (Jeffrey Damicog, Aaron Recuenco)
