In Davao City, Philippines, local Muslim leaders are taking proactive measures by displaying images of the Bondi gunmen, Sajid and Naveed Akram, at over 70 mosques. This initiative aims to gather information regarding the men’s month-long visit prior to the tragic incident that resulted in the deaths of 15 people in Australia on December 14, 2023. Sheikh Muhammad Yusop Pasigan, the region’s most senior Islamic cleric, characterized the Akrams as “no good – not good people” and urged community members to report any relevant information to local authorities.
Community Response and Investigation Efforts
Sheikh Pasigan announced that the images and basic details about the Akrams would be posted prominently above the doors of mosques. “We will post this above the doors of our mosques, front and back,” he stated, highlighting the community’s commitment to ensuring safety. He also noted that newcomers to the mosques would need to provide identification, with a plan to alert authorities if any disturbances arise.
The investigation into the Akrams’ activities in Davao from November 1 to November 28, 2023, is ongoing. Philippine authorities have released limited CCTV footage showing the two men, with reports confirming that Sajid, 50, visited a local gun shop. Additional footage captured them engaging in outdoor activities, such as jogging. A police spokesperson clarified that inquiries continue, including a potential link to two other Australian men who were reportedly in Davao during the same timeframe.
Despite being off the typical tourist path, Davao attracts Australian visitors, particularly those seeking surfing experiences on Siargao Island. While the majority of the population is Catholic, Davao also faces challenges from Islamist militants in certain areas. The Akrams had previously traveled to Bondi Beach in connection to the shooting incident, where homemade Islamic State flags were discovered in their vehicle.
Government Response and Local Insights
The Philippine government has recently countered media narratives that portray Mindanao as a stronghold for violent extremism. Officials emphasized that Islamic State-affiliated groups in the region have been significantly weakened. “They have been fragmented, deprived of leadership, and operationally degraded,” a government spokesperson remarked.
Staff at the GV Hotel, where the Akrams resided for 27 days, indicated that the men rarely ventured out of their hotel room, typically only for one or two hours each day. This limited movement raises questions about their interactions and connections in Davao. Sheikh Pasigan acknowledged that he possesses “no information” regarding any extremist elements within the city. He plans to collaborate with other senior Islamic leaders to facilitate information sharing within the community.
Regional police director Leon Victor Rosete confirmed that investigators are conducting “backtracking operations” to identify individuals the Akrams may have interacted with during their stay. This approach aims to assess potential support networks that could be linked to the incident.
The developments surrounding the Bondi gunmen continue to unfold as investigators and community leaders work together to uncover the truth and ensure public safety in Davao City.
