Why Did the Father–Son Terror Suspects Travel to the Philippines Before the Australia Massacre? Inside Asia’s So-Called ‘Terror Training Ground’

Fresh revelations in the investigation into the deadly terrorist attack on Jewish worshippers in Australia have turned the spotlight on the Philippines, raising troubling questions about why the father–son terror suspects travelled there shortly before carrying out the massacre.

Philippine authorities have confirmed that the two accused terrorists—Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram—entered the country on Indian passports. Hyderabad Police have also verified that one of the attackers involved in the incident was an Indian national. Australian investigators say the duo visited southern Philippines, a region long associated with Islamist extremism, before launching the attack in Sydney.

Initially, there was speculation that the attackers were linked to Pakistan, widely regarded as a global hub of jihadist networks. However, investigations later established that the perpetrators were Indians who had allegedly sought advanced extremist indoctrination and paramilitary-style exposure in Southeast Asia.

One-Month Stay Before the Attack

According to Australian counterterrorism officials, the father and son spent nearly a month in the Philippines, leaving the country roughly two weeks before the Sydney attack, which targeted members of the Jewish community celebrating a religious festival at a popular beach.

The attack, described as one of Australia’s most serious terror incidents in decades, led to the recovery of an Islamic State (IS) flag from the attackers’ residence and explosives from their vehicle, significantly escalating the gravity of the case.

Suspected Training Links

Investigators revealed that Naveed Akram had been on the radar of Australia’s domestic intelligence agency nearly six years ago due to suspected links with an Islamic State cell operating in Sydney. At the time, he was not classified as an imminent threat.

Now, Australian counterterrorism agencies believe the duo may have received military-style or tactical training in the Philippines. Australia’s public broadcaster ABC reported that intelligence agencies are examining possible connections with extremist groups operating in remote southern regions of the country.

CNN, citing terrorism experts, reported that although extremist violence has declined in the Philippines in recent years, several armed Islamist groups remain active, particularly in isolated areas, and continue to provide training, shelter and logistical support to foreign fighters.

‘Asia’s Terror Academy’

Rommel Banlaoi, Chairman of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, told CNN that the Philippines has long been viewed by extremist networks as “Asia’s terrorism academy.”

“Since the days of al-Qaeda, the Philippines has been considered an ideal training ground due to its geography and the presence of long-standing militant groups,” Banlaoi said, pointing to dense jungles, mountainous terrain and porous coastlines that allow militants to evade surveillance.

Southern Philippines: A Historic Hotbed

The southern island of Mindanao has for decades been a centre of Islamist militancy. Groups such as Abu Sayyaf, with past links to al-Qaeda and later Islamic State, have operated in the region. In 2017, militants affiliated with Abu Sayyaf and the Maute Group seized the city of Marawi, triggering a months-long military operation that left the city devastated and displaced hundreds of thousands.

Experts say a combination of historical neglect, poverty, radical ideology, weak governance and complex geography has made parts of Mindanao fertile ground for extremism.

CNN reports that foreign militants are drawn to the Philippines due to relatively weak border controls, less stringent tourist screening, and entrenched terror networks that provide safe houses, funding and logistical support.

Philippines Rejects ‘Training Ground’ Claims

However, the Philippine government has strongly rejected claims that the country was used as a terrorist training base in this case. On Wednesday, officials said there is no evidence that Sajid and Naveed Akram received any form of extremist or combat training during their stay.

Philippine authorities stressed that investigations are ongoing and that they are cooperating with Australian and Indian agencies to establish the full travel history and activities of the suspects.

As international probes continue, the case has reignited global concerns over transnational terror networks, radicalisation pathways, and the use of Southeast Asia as a logistical or ideological hub—issues that security agencies across the region are now watching closely.