‘Outdated, misleading’: Philippines pushes back on ISIS ‘hotspot’ tag

MANILA, Philipippines – The Philippines, on Wednesday, December 17, said media reports “describing Mindanao as a hotspot for violent extremism or Islamic State ideology are outdated and misleading” as investigators from both Manila and Canberra probe the past activities of a father and son pair who opened gunfire at a Jewish Hannukkah celebration, killing at least 15. 

“The Philippine government is currently investigating the travel to the country of two (2) individuals involved in the Bondi shooting incident in Sydney, Australia. We are also coordinating with our counterparts in the Australian government for information and intelligence sharing in order to determine the purpose of their visit to the Philippines,” Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said in a statement to media. 

The two, whom Australian authorities have since identified as 59-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, were in the Philippines from November 1 to 28, 2025. Año said Sajid entered the Philippines using an Indian passport while Naveed used an Australian passport. They had reportedly traveled to Davao City, a major hub in the island of Mindanao. 

“There is no valid report or confirmation that the two received any form of military training while in the country, and no evidence supports such a claim at present. A mere visit does not support allegations of terrorist training, and the duration of their stay would not have allowed for any meaningful or structured training,” Año said. 

Media reports earlier described Mindanao, the southernmost of the three major island groups in the Philippines as a “hotspot for violent extremism or Islamic State ideology.”

“Since the 2017 Marawi Siege, Philippine security forces have significantly degraded ISIS-affiliated groups in the country. The remnants of these groups have been fragmented, deprived of leadership, and operationally degraded,” Año said. 

In a separate statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) listed down at least 10 high-value individuals who were leaders of terror groups in Mindanao. 

“Terrorism threat levels in several areas of Western and Central Mindanao have shifted from high to low. While global extremist networks continue to exploit cyberspace, there is no indication of imminent domestic terrorist threats at this time. Government forces remain vigilant and committed to sustaining peace, security, and development nationwide,” the military said. 

Philippine authorities — from the AFP, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Philippine National Police — had said in separate statements that they would be investigating the activities of the two men while they were in the Philippines. 

Australian officials earlier said they had charged Naveed on terrorism and murder charges, who had reportedly just woken up from a coma on Tuesday afternoon, December 16. His father died on Sunday, November 14, at the site of the shooting. 

Malacañang had earlier also rejected “sweeping statements” regarding the Philippines.

“Of course, the President strongly rejects the sweeping statement and the misleading characterization of the Philippines as the ISIS training hotspot,” said Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro. 

“Maging mapanuri at maging responsable rin po sa pagpapahayag at lalo po ito ay nakakaapekto sa integridad at imahe ng Pilipinas,” added Castro when asked if she had an “appeal” to foreign media. 

(Be critical and responsible in your reportage especially since this affects the integrity and image of the Philippines.) 

Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro spoke to her Australian counterpart, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, on the phone on Tuesday to “reassure each other of continued security and law enforcement cooperation, and to keep each other closely informed of any developments in the investigation.”

Australia is one of several countries with which the Philippines has close defense and security ties, especially over concerns of terror activities in the southern Philippines. The two Pacific nations have a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, which facilitates each country’s military to enter each other’s territories for training and humanitarian response. That relationship has since expanded to include maritime operations west and north of the Philippines amid China’s harassment and tensions in the Taiwan Strait. 

“The Philippine government maintains a vigilant, intelligence-driven counterterrorism program and works closely with international partners to ensure that Philippine territory is not used for terrorism purposes,” Año said. 

He added: “The [National Security Council] emphasizes the importance of evidence-based reporting and responsible public discourse. We remain committed to regional and global security, and stands ready to support Australia and the international community in addressing terrorism in all its forms.”

The two countries are also closely aligned strategically with the signing of a Strategic Partnership in 2023. 

Australia’s latest travel advisory lists the entire island of Mindanao as either no-go areas for travel — Level 4 or “do not travel” advice remains over central and western Mindanao, the Zamboanga Peninsula, the Sulu archipelago, and the southern Sulu Sea area “due to the very high threat of terrorism and kidnapping.”

The rest of Mindanao — save for Camiguin, Dinagat and Siargao Islands — are under Level 3 or
“reconsider your need to travel” because of “political violence and the threat of terrorism.”

The rest of the Philippines is under Level 2, or where Australians are told to “exercise a high degree of caution” because of “the threat of terrorism and violent crime.” – Rappler.com