BI confirms Indian nationals visited PH before terror attack

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed that Indian nationals Sajid Akram, 59, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, visited the Philippines from November 1 to 28 before carrying out the Bondi Beach terror attack.

They arrived in Davao and stayed for nearly a month before departing the Philippines via a connecting flight from Davao to Manila.

Sajid entered the Philippines using an Indian passport while Naveed used an Australian passport, according to BI records and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año.

However, sources indicate the father and son mostly stayed in their Davao City hotel during their visit, usually leaving for only about an hour.

This limited time outside the hotel makes it impossible for them to have undergone any "military-style training" as speculated by foreign news sites.

Philippine authorities, including National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, have rejected claims that the two may have trained with local terrorist groups in Mindanao, stating there is no evidence yet.

Military commanders also stated they had not received reports of the Akrams traveling to their areas of responsibility.

Malacañang stated that the visit is not considered a serious security concern, as there is no confirmed information indicating their visit posed a threat.