National Security Advisor (NSA) Eduardo Año said the father-and-son suspects in the Bondi Beach shooting in Australia namely Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed, did not leave Davao City during their 28-day stay in the Philippines as authorities moved to dispel claims linking the country to terrorist training activities.
Año said records show the two suspects stayed in the same hotel throughout their visit and did not travel to other parts of Mindanao, including Maguindanao.
“Every night, they slept in the same hotel. There is no way they underwent any training in Maguindanao, Mindanao, or anywhere else,” Año said.
He added that no individuals were recorded visiting the suspects at the hotel during their stay. According to Año, the pair followed a routine of jogging in the mornings and returning to their hotel after a few hours, with the longest time spent outside reaching only about eight hours.
“Nobody came to the hotel to visit them. There are many speculations but we still have to conclude the investigation. Every morning nagconduct sila ng jogging, lalabas sila (hotel) babalik din sila after two hours at ang pinakamatagal ay eight hours. Maybe they are using heavily the internet, maybe they are talking to somebody but on other physical activities wala na,” he said.
He noted that authorities are still examining their online activities, including possible internet communications.
Año stressed that the Philippines should not be labeled a terrorist hotspot, citing significant security gains since the 2017 Marawi siege.
“We have explained that we are not a terrorist hotspot. Since 2017, we have eliminated local terrorist groups,” he said.
The NSA said investigators are still reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to determine whether the suspects met anyone during their stay, but initial findings suggest the visit may have been personal.
“We are still trying to get CCTV footages but for now we can say probably baka nagbonding yung mag-ama dito. There is also a possibility that the son is recruiting the father,” Año said.
He revealed that Naveed had been investigated by Australian intelligence in 2019 but was later cleared, while two of his associates were jailed.
Año said he has been in constant coordination with Australian authorities as the investigation continues.
“I have discussed this with my counterparts in the Australian government, and we are working together,” he said.
The NSA also warned against groups spreading speculation that could damage the country’s image, noting that international partners recognize improvements in the Philippines’ security situation.
“Some groups are trying to ride on this incident to destroy the image of the country, but even the United States and the United Nations have acknowledged that the security situation here has improved,” Año said.
