Read on the GuardianBondi Beach Attack Investigation: Alleged Gunman's Philippines Visit Under Scrutiny
The investigation into the Bondi Beach terror attack has expanded to the Philippines, where the alleged father-son shooters spent four weeks before the massacre. Philippine police have revealed that Sajid Akram visited a firearms shop in Davao City and that both men engaged in what appeared to be 'physical conditioning' exercises. Authorities are examining their movements, contacts, and support networks during their stay at the GV hotel, seeking to understand their activities in the weeks leading up to the Sydney attack that killed 15 people.
The international investigation into the devastating Bondi Beach terror attack has taken a significant turn, with Philippine authorities revealing new details about the alleged perpetrators' activities during their month-long stay in Davao City. As Australian officials work to understand the timeline leading to the Sydney massacre that claimed 15 lives, Philippine police are piecing together the movements of Sajid Akram and his son Naveed during their four-week residence at the GV hotel. This cross-border cooperation highlights the global nature of modern terrorism investigations and the critical importance of international intelligence sharing.
The Philippine Connection: Timeline and Activities
Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24, arrived in Davao City in early November 2025 and checked into the GV hotel, where they would remain for their entire stay in the country. According to hotel staff, the pair initially booked a seven-night stay online but repeatedly requested extensions upon arrival, ultimately staying for four weeks before departing for Australia on November 28. This extended stay has raised questions among investigators about whether the Akrams were waiting for someone or something that never arrived. Front desk staff member Jenelyn Sayson noted they arrived with one large piece of luggage and a backpack, suggesting they traveled relatively light for such an extended visit.
Firearms Shop Visit and Physical Conditioning
Philippine police regional director Leon Victor Rosete has confirmed that Sajid Akram visited a firearms shop during his time in Davao City, though he did not specify whether any purchases were made. This revelation is particularly significant given the nature of the subsequent attack in Sydney. Additionally, CCTV footage obtained by investigators shows both men engaging in what Rosete described as a "jog walk" that lasted approximately one hour around the vicinity of their hotel. Authorities interpret this activity as "physical conditioning" exercises, suggesting preparation for future actions. The Philippine National Security Advisor, Eduardo Año, has emphasized that while the pair stayed exclusively in Davao during their visit, they did not visit any firing ranges in the area.
Investigation Challenges and International Cooperation
The Philippine investigation faces significant challenges, particularly regarding evidence preservation. Hotel staff at the GV hotel have confirmed that their CCTV footage is automatically overwritten after one week, creating a race against time for authorities to secure relevant footage from surrounding establishments before it's lost. Police are examining the mobile numbers used by the Akrams during their stay and investigating their local contacts and potential support networks. As Rosete stated, "We are patching together all the information. We are now connecting the dots." This meticulous approach reflects the complexity of tracking terrorist movements across international borders.
Security Implications and Regional Concerns
The Philippines has long been identified as a potential terrorism hotspot in Southeast Asia, with various Islamic extremist groups operating in certain regions. The presence of the alleged Bondi attackers in the country has raised concerns about potential connections to local networks. National Security Advisor Eduardo Año has assured that Philippine authorities will "ensure that there is no stone left unturned" in their investigation, emphasizing their commitment to helping Australian authorities while simultaneously working to eliminate any terrorist threats within their own borders. This incident underscores the transnational nature of modern terrorism and the importance of coordinated international responses.
Return to Australia and Subsequent Attack
The Akrams returned to Australia on November 28, just two weeks before the horrific attack at a Hanukah celebration in Sydney on December 10. The timing suggests their activities in the Philippines may have represented the final stages of preparation before executing their alleged plan. Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene of the Bondi Beach attack, while Naveed Akram has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder. The rapid transition from their extended stay in the Philippines to the execution of a mass shooting in Australia highlights the challenges faced by security agencies in monitoring potential threats across international movements.
Conclusion: Global Security Implications
The investigation into the Bondi Beach attackers' Philippine activities represents a critical case study in international counterterrorism cooperation. As authorities in both countries work to understand the full scope of the Akrams' preparations and potential networks, the incident highlights several key security challenges: the difficulty of monitoring short-term visitors in foreign countries, the importance of timely evidence collection before digital records are lost, and the necessity of robust international intelligence sharing mechanisms. The Philippine authorities' commitment to thorough investigation, despite evidentiary challenges, demonstrates the global community's shared responsibility in combating terrorism. As this case continues to develop, it will likely inform future counterterrorism strategies and international cooperation protocols aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
