Extremist movements in the Philippines have come under scrutiny since it was revealed that two suspected terrorists had visited the country weeks before they killed 15 people in Australia, but observers argue that such threats have waned and officials should avoid “overreach” in linking the case.
Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, had allegedly opened fire on people at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration on Sunday. The older man was killed while Naveed was in critical condition after police intervened.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday the duo appeared to have been influenced by Islamic State (Isis) ideology.
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Also on Tuesday, Australian police said they were looking into a trip the two had made to the Philippines last month.
Philippine immigration officials have confirmed the father and son landed in Manila and had then flown to Davao City in the south on November 1 before leaving nearly a month later on November 28.
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