Alleged Bondi gunmen visited Philippines, BI confirms

THE Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday confirmed that two Indian nationals allegedly behind the shooting at the Bondi Beach incident in Sydney, Australia, had entered and later departed the Philippines last month.

Sajid Akram, a 50-year-old man, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, arrived in the Philippines on Nov. 1, on a flight from Sydney, immigration spokesperson Dana Krizia M. Sandoval told reporters over Viber.

“Both reported Davao as their final destination. They left the country on November 28, 2025 on a connecting flight from Davao to Manila, with Sydney as their final destination,” she added.

Australian authorities reported that at least 25 people remain hospitalized following Sunday’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach, with 10 in critical condition, including three children who were attending a Hanukkah event at Australia’s most famous beach when the attack occurred.

The older Mr. Akram was shot dead at the scene, while his son was taken to a hospital for treatment.

In a separate message to reporters, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) spokesman Palmer U. Mallari said the agency, through its Counter Terrorism Division, has motu proprio initiated an investigation without waiting for a formal request from Australian authorities.

Mr. Mallari added that the NBI is actively coordinating with the BI, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the agency’s regional and district offices to backtrack the activities of the two suspects who were confirmed to have traveled to the Philippines from Nov. 1 to 28, particularly in Davao and potentially nearby areas. Davao is located in southern Philippines, on the island of Mindanao. Meanwhile, the National Security Council (NSC) said there is no indication so far that the visits posed a security threat, as it validates reports.

In a statement on Tuesday, the NSC said it has no confirmed information suggesting the individuals’ travel to the Philippines was connected to any security risk, adding that the matter is not considered a serious or immediate concern at this time.

“Standard security, immigration, and counterterrorism protocols remain fully active, with coordination ongoing with Australian authorities,” it added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier said there were no confirmed Filipino casualties in the mass shooting.

The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney is also coordinating with Australian authorities to determine whether any Filipino nationals were affected by the incident.

Sydney police described the attack, which occurred during Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, as a terrorist incident, making it Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades.

Reuters added that Australia’s federal government is reviewing the country’s gun laws after police said Sajid Akram, one of the alleged gunmen, was a licensed firearm owner with six registered weapons.

Authorities clarified on Tuesday that Mr. Akram obtained his gun license in 2023, correcting an earlier statement that said it was issued in 2015. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking and Chloe Mari A. Hufana