Father-Son Duo Stayed Mainly Indoors During Month in Philippines

The father and son suspected of carrying out the tragic attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney spent most of their nearly month-long stay in the Philippines in relative isolation. According to a hotel employee, Sajid and Naveed Akram rarely left their rooms at the GV Hotel in Davao and primarily dined on fast food during their visit in November 2023. The employee, identified only as Jun, stated that the pair ventured outside for approximately one hour each day.

While staying at the hotel, the Akrams had no visitors, raising questions about their activities during this critical period. Their trip has become a focal point in the ongoing investigation into the motivations behind the antisemitic attack that claimed the lives of 15 people at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on December 3, 2023.

Australian authorities are working diligently to determine what the suspects did during their time in the Philippines and whether it had any connection to the attack. Earlier reports from Australia’s public broadcaster, ABC, indicated that counterterrorism officials suspect the Akrams may have engaged in military-style training while abroad. Philippine officials, however, have stated that there is currently no evidence to support these claims and are collaborating with their Australian counterparts.

Details of the Stay in Davao

The Akrams initially booked an eight-day stay at the GV Hotel beginning November 1, 2023. They extended their reservation to November 28, paying the remaining balance in cash. The GV Hotel, described online as a modest one-star establishment, is not a typical tourist destination compared to other parts of the Philippines.

Jun noted that the Akrams were polite and respectful during their stay. They greeted hotel staff and even permitted daily room cleaning, which revealed only takeaway food packages from Jollibee, a popular local fast-food chain. Jun later recognized the suspects from images of the Bondi attack, noting that Naveed’s hairstyle had changed since their hotel visit.

The Philippine government has reiterated its commitment to cooperating with Australian law enforcement. Foreign Minister Theresa P. Lazaro emphasized the importance of combating intolerance and violence in a statement made via social media following discussions with her Australian counterpart.

Investigations and Security Concerns

Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano stated that investigations into the Akrams’ activities have not yet uncovered any evidence linking them to militant training in Mindanao. He dismissed media portrayals of the region as a hotspot for violent extremism as “outdated” and “misleading.”

Mindanao, where Davao is located, has faced historical unrest, including a long-standing separatist movement and allegations of human rights abuses. Despite a recent decline in terrorism, several militant groups remain active in more remote areas. Some experts have indicated that these groups are willing to provide training to foreign fighters.

The Philippines ranked 20th out of 79 countries on the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, a significant drop from its ranking of 9th in 2019. Ano noted that remnants of terrorist groups in the region have become fragmented and operationally degraded as a result of increased government crackdowns.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on uncovering the full extent of the Akrams’ activities in the Philippines and any potential links to their actions in Australia. The international community watches closely as officials aim to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.