Philippine government rejects claims country is ISIS training hotspot after Bondi Beach shooting

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has dismissed allegations linking the Philippines to extremist training connected to the Bondi Beach shooting, saying there is no evidence the suspects trained in the country.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro holds a press briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) on December 17, 2025. Credit: RTVM

Key Points

• The Presidential Communications Office and the National Security Council say there is no confirmation the Bondi Beach suspects received terrorist training in the Philippines, describing reports branding the country as an ISIS hotspot as misleading.
• Philippine authorities are coordinating with international partners, while security agencies stress extremist groups have been significantly weakened since the 2017 Marawi siege and now have limited operational capacity.
• Australian and Philippine police confirmed the suspects travelled to Manila and Davao in November; the Philippine National Police say the matter remains under investigation.

LISTEN TO

Gobyerno ng Pilipinas, mariing tinutulan ang paglalarawan na ISIS training hotspot ang bansa matapos ang Bondi Beach shooting

SBS Filipino

08:43Filipino

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