The Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) is conducting an ongoing investigation into the nearly month-long stay of two foreign nationals at a hotel in Davao City after Australian counterterrorism authorities flagged them for alleged links to the Islamic State (IS).
Bureau of Immigration (BI) spokesperson Dana Sandoval identified them as Indian national Sajid Akram, 50, and his Indian-Australian son, Naveed Akram, 24, who have been identified by Australian authorities as suspects in the Bondi Beach shooting on December 14 that left at least 15 people dead.
PRO 11 acting Director Brigadier General Leon Victor Z. Rosete said in a video message that the suspects, Sajid and Naveed, were reported by Australian counterparts to have traveled to the Philippines for possible training.
Rosete confirmed that based on PRO 11’s verification, the two arrived in Davao City and checked in at GV Hotel, where they stayed for almost a month before leaving the area.
“The Police Regional Office 11 took note of the information provided by the Australian counter terrosism regarding the identified suspects who were allegedly link to the Islamic State and reported time travel to the Philippines for training. Based on the investigation conducted PRO 11 confirmed that the two individuals arrived in Davao City and stayed in GV Hotel for almost a month before leaving the area,” he said.
Following the confirmation of their presence at the hotel, Rosete said PRO 11 immediately launched tracking and validation operations to determine their movements and activities during their stay.
He said the probe includes a review of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, hotel records, travel data, and other available intelligence information.
“Upon confirmation, PRO 11 immediately conducted tracking operations to estbalish their movements during their stay. These included the review of CCTV footages, hotel records, travel data, and other available intelligence information,” Rosete said.
Rosete stressed that the investigation is being carried out in close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and other intelligence units and concerned agencies.
He said investigators are also assessing whether the suspects engaged in any activities related to their alleged links, including identifying individuals they may have interacted with and determining the possible existence of local contacts or support networks.
Rosete emphasized that interagency coordination and investigative efforts remain ongoing to ensure that all relevant information is thoroughly evaluated and acted upon.
“PRO 11 also examined any activities they may have conducted during their stay including identifying individuals that they interacted with and assessing possible links or support networks. Investigation and interagency coordination remain ongoing to ensure that all relevant information is thoroughly assessed and acted upon,” he said.
Rosete assured the public that security forces remain vigilant and committed to maintaining peace and order in the Davao Region as the investigation continues.
