DFA welcomes Australia confirmation that Bondi suspects didn't train in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines, January 7 ------ Australian authorities have found no evidence that the suspects in the December 14 Bondi Beach mass shooting incident received military-style training during their month-long stay in the Philippines. This confirmation that the two gunmen had acted alone was shared by Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barret on December 30, and welcomed by the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs. "There is no evidence to suggest they received training or underwent logistical preparation for their alleged attack" during their stay in the Philippines from November 1 to 29, 2025, Barrett said.

The evaluation by Australian authorities also aligns with the initial findings of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The latter shared mid-December that they found no indications that the father-and-son suspects received any training or prepared for the attack during their month-long stay in Davao City. Barrett also confirmed there is "no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a broader terrorist cell or were directed by others to carry out an attack," though she noted the assessment remains subject to continuing investigation.

The DFA on Tuesday welcomed Barrett's statements and remarks from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the Philippines' cooperation. "Through him, the agencies in the Philippines have done everything they can to provide information in a timely way, and that's a good thing," Albanese said.

Source: philstar.com