Bondi Beach Attack Suspects Kept Low Profile During Month-Long Stay in Philippines, Hotel Employee Says

New details are emerging about the movements of the father and son accused of carrying out the deadly Bondi Beach attack, as investigators focus on their month-long stay in the Philippines prior to the violence.

A hotel employee in Davao, a city on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, told CNN that Sajid and Naveed Akram spent nearly all of November holed up in their hotel room, rarely venturing outside and receiving no visitors. The men reportedly left the building for about an hour each day before returning to their rooms, where they often ate fast food.

The pair stayed at a modest one-star hotel, initially booking eight days beginning November 1 before extending their stay through November 28 and paying the remaining balance in cash. According to the employee, who identified himself only as Jun, the men were polite, allowed daily room cleaning, and left behind nothing suspicious — only takeout packaging from the popular local chain Jollibee.

The Akrams’ time in the Philippines has become a key focus of the investigation into the antisemitic attack that killed 15 people at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Australian authorities are working to determine whether the trip played any role in planning or preparing for the attack.

Earlier reports suggested the suspects may have undergone military-style training while in the Philippines, but officials there say no evidence has surfaced to support that claim. Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said authorities have found no indication the men trained with militant groups, adding that the country has significantly reduced extremist activity in recent years.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said shortly after the attack that the suspects were inspired by Islamic State ideology. ISIS later praised the attack as a “source of pride,” though it did not formally claim responsibility.

Philippine officials say they are cooperating closely with Australian law enforcement as the investigation continues. The country’s foreign minister reiterated support for efforts to combat intolerance, hatred, and violence.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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