Huge twist over Bondi Beach terror suspects' month-long mystery trip to the Philippines
The Australian government has shared shock new details about Sajid and Naveed Akram's four-week trip to the Philippines.
- Alleged shooters did not undertake military training
- CCTV footage is still being reviewed by authorities
- READ MORE: Albanese is slammed as disturbing detail emerges in old footage
By NICHOLAS COMINO, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA
Published: 00:00 GMT, 30 December 2025 | Updated: 02:00 GMT, 30 December 2025
The two men accused of the Bondi Beach terror attack spent nearly a month in the Philippines - but never received military training, police say.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett confirmed Sajid and Naveed Akram flew from Sydney to Manila on November 1, then travelled to Davao City.
Father and son returning to Sydney on November 29 - just two weeks before the December 14 attack that killed 15 and injured many more.
'Travel records show they rarely left their hotel. There is no evidence they received training or prepared logistically for the alleged attack,' Barrett told reporters.
Philippine authorities have provided CCTV footage from their stay, which AFP investigators are now reviewing.
Barrett emphasised that current assessments point to the pair acting alone.
'There is no indication they were part of a wider terrorist cell or directed by others. But I'm not suggesting they were there for tourism,' she said.
An AFP analyst was dispatched to the Philippines after the attack to assist with the investigation.
Alleged terrorists Sajid and Naveed Akram did not undertake military training during their one-month long stay in the Philippines, Commissioner Barrett confirmed
The father and son stayed in the Philippines from November 1 to November 29
The pair stayed in Davao City, seen on this map of the Philippines
Barrett praised the Philippine National Police for their swift cooperation, calling their role 'absolutely crucial' in securing CCTV evidence.
She revealed authorities are probing radical preachers accused of twisting Islam to recruit followers and stir hatred, especially against the Jewish community.
'We've gone through sermons line by line and sought expert legal advice on charging those who spread fear and hatred,' she said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejected growing calls for a federal royal commission into the Bondi Beach terror attack, arguing a faster, more focused inquiry will deliver answers.
'Well, I recognise that many of the calls for a royal commission come from a good place,' he said.
'This atrocity is something which understandably, people want answers on how it occurred. I want answers too and I want justice done.'