‘No confirmation’ that Bondi Beach shooters entered BARMM, Central Mindanao — military

COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 17 December) — The commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central said there is “no confirmation” yet that the father-and-son tandem behind the mass shooting at the Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia entered parts of the Bangsamoro Region and Central Mindanao.

Parts of BARMM and Central Mindanao. Map courtesy of Google

“As of now, we have no confirmation as to their travel inside our jurisdiction,” said Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, whose command covers parts of North Cotabato, General Santos City, Sultan Kudarat province, Cotabato City, parts of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte.

Sajid Akram, 50, an Indian national, and his son Naveed, 24, an Indian-Australian, have been tagged responsible for the December 14 attack at a Jewish festival on Bondi Beach that left 15 people dead. Sajid died from police fire while Naveed was wounded.

Cagara said in a text message to MindaNews on Wednesday that investigation is active and rigorous. “We continuously gather intel reports to verify if indeed they have entered our jurisdiction,” he added.

Despite the confirmed presence of the suspects in the country weeks before the attack, he urged caution against premature conclusions.

The Bureau of Immigration revealed on Tuesday that the Akrams arrived in the Philippines on November 1, flying in from Sydney. The duo reportedly declared Davao City as their destination.

Immigration records show they stayed in the country for nearly a month before departing Davao for Sydney via Manila on November 28, just two weeks before they opened fire on festival-goers.

Police Regional Office-11 (Davao Region) is also conducting a parallel investigation into the duo’s movements.

“We are still investigating that information,” said Maj. Catherine dela Rey, PRO-11 spokesperson, regarding reports that the gunmen traveled to Davao City specifically to link up with extremists.

Australian media, quoting local police authorities, report that the purpose of the Akrams’ Philippine trip remains under investigation. It is currently unclear if the father and son made contact with local terrorist groups or underwent weapons training during their 27-day stay in the country. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera / MindaNews)