SYDNEY: Philippine authorities have confirmed that the father-and-son duo accused of carrying out the deadly shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach traveled to the Philippines weeks before the attack, raising fresh questions about their movements and possible overseas links.
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration and Deportation told CNN that 50-year-old Sajid Akram entered the Philippines on November 1, 2025, using an Indian passport, while his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, traveled on an Australian passport.
Both arrived together and listed their final destination as Davao, a major city on the southern island of Mindanao.
According to Philippine immigration officials, the pair departed the country on November 28, flying from Davao back to Manila before continuing onward to Sydney.
Mindanao, the Philippines’ second-largest island, has long been a focal point of Islamist insurgency and militant activity. In 2017, ISIS-aligned fighters seized the city of Marawi, triggering a months-long siege that left hundreds dead and displaced thousands. Philippine authorities have not confirmed any direct contact between the suspects and militant groups during their stay, but say the purpose of the visit remains under investigation.
Immigration Bureau spokesperson Dana Sandoval told CNN that Sajid Akram is an Australian permanent resident and an Indian national, and that he traveled using his Indian passport. CNN said it has contacted India’s Ministry of External Affairs for comment but has yet to receive a response.
Australian authorities have said the Bondi Beach attack, which took place on December 14, 2025, targeted Jewish Australians attending a Hanukkah event and killed at least 15 people, with 24 others wounded. Police have described the incident as a terrorist attack and said the suspects were motivated by Islamic State ideology. Two homemade ISIS flags and improvised explosive devices were recovered from a vehicle linked to the attackers.
Both suspects are in custody, and investigations are continuing across multiple jurisdictions, as authorities examine travel records, online activity, and possible international connections.
