DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 18 December) – Reports labeling Mindanao as a terror hotspot based on the travel history of the two Bondi Beach shooters in Sydney, Australia are “misleading and unfair,” said Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, chair of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA). Magno emphasized that Mindanao is “not a terror hotspot,” despite reports linking the island to the December 14 mass shooting at Bondi Beach, carried out by Sajid Akram, 50, an Indian national, and his son, Naveed Akram, 24, an Indian-Australian, who had traveled to Mindanao before the attack. A December 16 report from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC News) claimed the shooters had undergone military training in Mindanao. The Bureau of Immigration confirmed the duo arrived in the Philippines on November 1, with Davao as their final destination. MindaNews verified that the shooters stayed at the GV Hotel on Magallanes St. from November 1 to 28, rarely leaving their rooms. Jenelyn Sayson of GV Hotel noted their minimal activity outside the hotel. Presidential spokesperson Claire Castro stated there is no validated evidence linking the attackers to training in the Philippines. Magno stressed that Mindanao should not be judged by isolated incidents, as the region has become more stable and peaceful, focusing on progress and development. National Security Adviser Eduardo Año dismissed claims of Mindanao being a terror hotspot as outdated, noting the degradation of ISIS-inspired groups since the 2017 Marawi Siege. Antonio Peralta of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines criticized the unfair targeting of Mindanao in the Sydney incident, calling it a “convenient excuse.” Magno highlighted the improved safety and investment climate in Mindanao, urging responsible reporting to avoid undermining regional progress. MinDA continues to collaborate with security agencies and international partners to ensure Mindanao remains secure and welcoming. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
