Sydney Bondi Beach Attack Suspects Traveled to Philippines Weeks Before, One Using Indian Passport
Father-son duo behind Sydney shooting visited Philippines in November 2025; attack leaves 15 dead and dozens injured
Sydney, Dec 16: The father-son duo accused of carrying out the deadly mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday had traveled to the Philippines in November 2025, Philippine immigration authorities confirmed, shedding light on their movements ahead of what Australian officials have described as an Islamic State-inspired terrorist attack.
According to the Philippines Bureau of Immigration, the suspects Sajid Akram (50) and his son Naveed Akram (24) arrived in the Philippines from Sydney on November 1 and departed on November 28. Conflicting reports emerged regarding the passports used: while Bloomberg stated both traveled on Indian passports, the BBC reported that Sajid Akram used an Indian passport, whereas Naveed traveled on an Australian passport. The pair returned to Australia via a connecting flight from Davao to Manila.
Australian authorities have officially confirmed the Bondi Beach shooting, which killed 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration, as a terrorist act inspired by the Islamic State. Evidence recovered from the scene included ISIS flags in a vehicle registered to the younger suspect and improvised explosive devices, authorities said.
The attack’s victims ranged from 10 to 87 years old. As of Tuesday, 25 people remained hospitalized, with 10 in critical condition, including three children. Among the injured was a man who was filmed tackling and disarming one of the attackers, footage that has gone viral.
Public concern in Australia has intensified over security lapses and gun access. Authorities revealed that the older suspect legally owned six firearms, reigniting debates about gun control despite the country’s strict regulations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the assessment of the suspects’ ideology was based on evidence recovered from the scene and their vehicle. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon noted the attackers’ callous disregard for their victims’ ages, describing their motive as a “quest for a death tally.”
