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The Bondi Beach gunmen made clandestine visits to contacts in a Muslim neighborhood in the Philippines daily prior to their massacre, The Sun on Sunday can disclose.
This information follows police investigations into a father and son, whose activities in the Philippines are under scrutiny, a region known for its history of Islamist violence.
Naveed Akram was already on the radar of counter-terrorism authorities
The Akrams arrived in the Filipino capital of Manila on November 1 and then traveled to Davao, where they checked into the GV Hotel.Credit: Reuters
The Filipino army and government have attempted to downplay the significance of the pair’s four-week visit to this terror-prone area just days before they claimed the lives of 15 individuals.
Hotel staff reported that the pair rarely ventured out and did not interact with other guests.
However, we can reveal that they consistently met with individuals in Davao City, located on the southern island of Mindanao, a known center of Islamic extremism, raising concerns about potential accomplices.
A military intelligence source based in the Philippines informed The Sun on Sunday: “Someone observed them within the Muslim community.
“They visited the Muslim community here in Davao daily.
“Civilians reported hearing about their presence. They may have had an accomplice here.
Our investigation is ongoing.
“There is a terrorism threat in Davao, and it’s plausible that Davao City was one of their intended targets.
“That’s why our investigation continues, to determine if they had associates here.
“It's challenging to trace their specific movements since they lacked a private vehicle and relied on taxis for transport.”
The Akrams arrived in Manila on November 1 and proceeded to Davao, checking into the GV Hotel.
They initially reserved room 315 for seven days but extended their stay until November 28, just 16 days prior to the massacre.
Hotel staff described them as withdrawn and rarely engaged in conversation, with Sajid attempting to conceal his appearance by wearing a hat and glasses.
One hotel employee shared with The Sun on Sunday: “They didn’t discuss their business here. They appeared serious and were unapproachable.
“The father remained silent and didn’t even make eye contact with us. They kept their heads down as they passed by.”
Staff at the £11-a-night hotel where Sajid, 50, and his son Naveed, 24, stayed noted they rarely went out and did not interact with anyone else.Credit: Getty
We can disclose that they frequently met with individuals in Davao City, situated on the southern island of Mindanao, recognized for Islamic extremism.Credit: Getty
“They requested room cleaning only once about a week into their stay.
“They remained inside while I cleaned. There was a significant amount of trash.
“Subsequently, they refused to let me enter their room and merely placed their used towels outside their door.”
The Philippines has a long history of Islamist violence.
Leaders previously devised plans while based there, intending to execute attacks during his 1995 visit and to blow up numerous passenger jets.
ISLAMIST VIOLENCE
A militant group seized control of a city in Mindanao for five months in 2017 before it was liberated in a brutal conflict resulting in 1,000 fatalities and 400,000 displacements.
A counter-terrorism source informed Australia’s ABC News that the Akrams underwent “military-style training” during their time in the country.
Sajid was shot dead by police in the incident.
His son has been charged with 15 counts of murder and terrorism offenses and is scheduled to stand trial next year.
Yesterday, lifeguards honored the victims of the terror-inspired attack with a heartfelt tribute.
Hundreds gathered on the beach, holding hands for a two-minute
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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