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Pia Lee-Brago - The Philippine Star
January 7, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines welcomed yesterday Australia’s findings that the two gunmen accused of attacking a Jewish celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach did not train in the Philippines.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) took note of Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett’s statement that “there is no evidence to suggest (the shooters) received training or underwent logistical preparation for their alleged attack” during their stay in the Philippines from Nov. 1 to 29, 2025.
The DFA said the official made the statement in a press conference in Canberra on Dec. 30, 2025.
“The Australian Federal Police Commissioner further stated that ‘there is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a broader terrorist cell or were directed by others to carry out an attack,’ while underscoring that this assessment remains subject to continuing investigation,” the DFA said.
The 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed, accused of killing 15 people during a Hanukkah event on Dec. 14, traveled to the Philippines ahead of the deadly shooting.
Barrett also acknowledged the prompt and effective assistance extended by Philippine authorities, noting that “without their swift response, much of the CCTV footage that is now under review by our investigators would not have been available.”
She emphasized that the Australian Federal Police and the Philippine National Police have worked together for decades on counter-terrorism cooperation.
At the same press conference, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his appreciation for the cooperation extended by President Marcos and Philippine law enforcement agencies.
As cooperation on the Bondi investigation continues, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro emphasized the Philippines’ firm commitment to counter terrorism, prevent violent extremism and nurture closer intelligence and law-enforcement cooperation with Australia and other foreign partners.
“The Philippines and Australia will continue to jointly address transnational security threats, including terrorism, through sustained information sharing, operational coordination and capacity-building initiatives,” Lazaro said.
