Philippine authorities have confirmed key identity details related to the deadly Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney, Australia. The Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration stated that Sajid Akram, one of the two attackers, was an Indian national. His son and co-accused, Naveed Akram, holds Australian citizenship. This confirmation adds an important international dimension to the investigation, which now involves cooperation among Australian, Philippine, and Indian officials.
Overview of the Bondi Beach Shooting Case
According to the Bureau of Immigration, both Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram traveled together to the Philippines in November 2025, only weeks before the attack in Sydney. Officials said the visit is now under close review by Australian investigators as they work to understand the movements and possible motivations of the attackers.
The Bondi Beach shooting shocked Australia and drew global attention because it took place in a busy public area during a religious event. Authorities have described the incident as one of the deadliest mass shootings in the country’s recent history.
What Happened at Bondi Beach and What Investigators Know
The shooting occurred on Sunday at Bondi Beach, where a Hanukkah event was being held. Australian authorities said that Sajid Akram, aged 50, and his son Naveed Akram, aged 24, opened fire using rifles. The attack resulted in the deaths of 15 people, while 42 others were injured. Many of the victims were attending or nearby the religious gathering when the gunfire began.
Police responded quickly to the scene. During an exchange of gunfire, Sajid Akram was killed by police. Naveed Akram was injured and later taken to hospital, where he remains under police guard. Authorities have confirmed that he is alive and receiving medical treatment while investigators continue to question him.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that investigators believe the attackers were motivated by extremist ideology linked to the Islamic State group. Officials have stated that the suspects were allegedly radicalised by extremist beliefs. However, investigators have not yet confirmed whether the attack was directed by an overseas group or carried out independently.
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Law enforcement agencies have also noted that the attackers had legally obtained firearms. A former colleague of Naveed Akram told local media that he held a valid firearms licence in Australia. This detail has raised further questions about how the weapons were used in the attack and whether existing gun control measures were followed.
The investigation remains active, with authorities examining digital records, travel history, and personal connections to build a clear timeline of events leading up to the Bondi Beach shooting.
Philippines Travel, Immigration History, and Diplomatic Response
The Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration has confirmed important details about the recent travel of the two suspects linked to the Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney. Bureau spokesperson Dana Sandoval said Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed Akram, arrived in the Philippines together on November 1, 2025, after flying from Sydney. Immigration records show that they listed Davao as their final destination during the visit.
According to officials, the two men stayed in the Philippines for nearly four weeks. They left the country on November 28, 2025, traveling from Davao to Manila before returning to Sydney. Authorities in both Australia and the Philippines have said the purpose of this trip is still under investigation. At present, there is no official confirmation of any direct link between the Philippines visit and the Bondi Beach attack.
Davao is located on the island of Mindanao, a region that has previously experienced activity linked to Islamic State-affiliated groups. Investigators have acknowledged this background but have clearly stated that there is no confirmed operational connection between the suspects’ travel to Mindanao and the shooting in Sydney.
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Australian officials have also shared information about Sajid Akram’s immigration history. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Akram arrived in Australia in 1998 on a student visa and later switched to a partner visa in 2001. He continued to travel overseas using resident return visas.
Naveed Akram was born in Australia and holds Australian citizenship. Media reports indicate his mother is Italian and his father was Indian. The incident has prompted diplomatic engagement, with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong briefing India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who expressed condolences and support as investigations continue.