Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines and Australia reaffirmed close cooperation on security and law enforcement following the deadly mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, as Philippine authorities confirmed that the two suspected gunmen traveled to the country weeks ahead of the attack.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said she spoke by phone with her Australian counterpart on Tuesday, Dec. 16, to convey condolences and underscore bilateral coordination.
“I spoke with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong by phone today to convey my sincere condolences on the Bondi Beach tragedy,” Lazaro said in a statement posted online. “The Philippines stands firmly in solidarity with Australia and underscores strong Philippine–Australian cooperation in security and law enforcement matters.”
She said both sides reaffirmed support for efforts to protect communities from “intolerance, hatred, and violence.”
Traveled to PH
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed that the two suspects – identified as father and son Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram – entered the country on Nov. 1 from Sydney.
“Both reported Davao as their final destination,” the BI said. “They left the country on Nov. 28, 2025, on a connecting flight from Davao to Manila, with Sydney as their final destination.”
Philippine authorities the purpose of the visit was unclear and is under investigation by Australian officials.
New South Wales Police said there are early indications that the attack during a Hanukkah event may have been a terrorist act inspired by the Islamic State group, though investigators have not reached a final conclusion.
“These are the alleged actions of those who have aligned themselves with a terrorist organisation, not a religion,” Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said at a news conference.
The Bondi Beach shooting left 15 people killed and at least 25 others wounded, making it Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades, authorities said.
Police said the father and son opened fire on hundreds of people during a roughly 10-minute rampage at one of Sydney’s most popular tourist destinations before both were shot and killed by responding officers.
As investigations continue, Philippine officials said they are maintaining open communication with Australian counterparts, reiterating their commitment to intelligence sharing and joint efforts against terrorism and violent extremism.
