Philippines Investigates Pre-Attack Visit of Sydney Bondi Beach Shooters: Terror Connection Uncovered

The Jewish community was gathered to commemorate the first day of Hanukkah when the tragic attack occurred.

Philippine authorities are investigating reports that the father and son responsible for the deadly mass shooting in Australia had visited the Philippines approximately one month before carrying out the attack that claimed at least 16 lives, according to state media reports released Tuesday.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated during a press briefing that the National Security Council (NSC), which provides advice to the president, is "aware of reports that the individuals involved in the Bondi Beach shooting in Australia had previously travelled to the Philippines, and these reports are currently being validated," as reported by the PNA news agency.

This statement follows reports suggesting that the father-son attackers, Sajid and Naveed Akram, underwent "military-style" training in the Philippines just one month prior to attacking a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach. Australian police fatally shot Sajid at the scene, while Naveed remains under medical care in a hospital.

The incident, which occurred while Jewish community members were celebrating the beginning of Hanukkah, has been officially classified as a terrorist act.

Community representatives have confirmed that among those killed were a 12-year-old girl and a rabbi.

New South Wales Police have indicated that the Bondi Beach area remains cordoned off as investigations continue, with restrictions placed on aerial activities. They also confirmed that explosive devices discovered in a nearby vehicle were safely secured and removed from the location.

In his address to the nation, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese characterized the shooting as a "devastating terror attack" and a "targeted act of antisemitism" against Jewish Australians. "There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation," he declared, expressing solidarity with the Jewish community.

On December 15, Albanese posted on X: "Today I convened National Cabinet to respond to the act of terror and antisemitism in Bondi last night. We stand with Jewish Australians and we stand against hatred and violence. Australia is stronger than those who try to divide us and we will come through this together."

Since implementing strict gun laws in 1996, Australia has experienced few mass shootings, making the Bondi Beach attack one of the country's most deadly terror incidents in recent years.