Key Takeaways:
- Mobile phone data suggests the Bondi Beach gunmen, Sajid and Naveed Akram, may have traveled to a region in the Philippines where Islamic State-aligned militants are believed to be operating.
- The pair spent most of November in Davao, a city on the island of Mindanao, but may have also visited other areas, including M’lang in North Cotabato.
- The gunmen visited various locations in Davao, including a gun shop, a beach resort, and an Islamic centre.
- Philippine authorities are still investigating the purpose of the Akrams’ visit and how they spent their time in the country.
- The region of Mindanao has long struggled with Islamic extremism, and remnants of groups that had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group are still believed to be operating in the area.
Introduction to the Investigation
The investigation into the Bondi Beach shooting has taken a significant turn with the revelation that the gunmen, Sajid and Naveed Akram, may have traveled to a region in the Philippines where Islamic State-aligned militants are believed to be operating. According to a police source, mobile phone data suggests that the pair may have visited areas beyond Davao, the city where they spent most of their time in November. This new information has raised questions about the purpose of the Akrams’ visit to the Philippines and whether they may have received training or support from extremist groups in the region.
The Akrams’ Movements in the Philippines
The Akrams entered the Philippines on November 1 and departed on November 28, spending most of their time in Davao, the largest city on the island of Mindanao. According to a senior Philippines police investigator, the pair may have traveled to other areas of Mindanao, including M’lang in North Cotabato, a province that borders areas where Islamic extremists are still believed to be operating. The police source said that the Akrams’ mobile phone was detected in M’lang on two occasions, suggesting that they may have visited the area more than once.
Visits to Various Locations
While in Davao, the Akrams visited various locations, including a gun shop, a beach resort, and an Islamic centre. The police source said that the pair visited a local outlet of Shooters Guns & Ammo Corp, the largest gun retail franchise in the Philippines. They also paid a visit to the Seagull White Sand Beach Resort, which is located about 7.5 kilometers away from their hotel. Additionally, the Akrams visited an RCBC bank ATM and an Islamic centre called the Mercy Islamic Foundation, which is located about a 20-minute walk from their hotel.
Investigation and Theories
The Philippine authorities are still investigating the purpose of the Akrams’ visit and how they spent their time in the country. According to the police source, the initial assessment suggests that the pair may have been visiting on holiday or waiting to meet someone. However, these remain working theories that require more information before a sound assessment can be made. The region of Mindanao has long struggled with Islamic extremism, and remnants of groups that had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group are still believed to be operating in the area. The Philippine authorities have denied that the region is still an "ISIS training ground," but the investigation is ongoing.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The investigation into the Bondi Beach shooting is ongoing, and the revelation that the Akrams may have traveled to a region in the Philippines where Islamic State-aligned militants are believed to be operating has raised significant concerns. The Philippine authorities are working to determine the purpose of the Akrams’ visit and how they spent their time in the country. As the investigation continues, it is likely that more information will come to light about the Akrams’ activities in the Philippines and whether they may have received training or support from extremist groups in the region. The outcome of the investigation will be crucial in understanding the motivations behind the Bondi Beach shooting and preventing similar attacks in the future.
