In a significant move to gather information about the Bondi gunmen, images of Sajid and Naveed Akram will be displayed at over 70 mosques in Davao City, Philippines. The local Muslim community is collaborating with law enforcement to investigate the pair’s activities during their month-long stay in the country, which culminated in the tragic shooting that left 15 people dead in Australia on December 14, 2023.
Community Efforts to Gather Information
During a press briefing on Sunday, Sheikh Muhammad Yusop Pasigan, the senior Islamic cleric of the Davao region, emphasized the need for vigilance within the community. He described the Akrams as “no good – not good people,” urging community members to report any information to the police. The initiative aims to prompt individuals who may have interacted with the Akrams to come forward.
“We will post this above the doors of our mosques, front and back,” Sheikh Pasigan stated while holding an A4 printout featuring images and details of the suspects. He also outlined measures to collect identification details from newcomers to the mosques, insisting that any suspicious behavior would be reported to local authorities by calling 911.
The investigation into the Akrams’ stay in Davao, which lasted from November 1 to November 28, has yielded limited results thus far. According to the Philippines National Police, the suspects visited a local gun shop, and CCTV footage shows them engaging in light physical activity near their hotel. A spokesperson confirmed that there were recorded sightings of Naveed Akram walking early in the morning, further raising questions about their activities during their time in the city.
Concerns Over Local Security and Extremism
Despite Davao City being notable for its predominantly Catholic population, it has historically been impacted by Islamist militant activity due to its proximity to regions with known extremist elements. Recent reports indicated that homemade Islamic State flags were found in the vehicle used by the Akrams to travel to Bondi Beach. In response to media portrayals of Mindanao as a hub for violent extremism, the Philippine government asserted that Islamic State-affiliated groups have been significantly disrupted and diminished.
Employees at the GV Hotel, where the Akrams resided for the duration of their visit, reported that the pair only left their room for short periods each day. If accurate, this could indicate limited movement in and around Davao City. When asked about the presence of extremist factions within the city, Sheikh Pasigan stated he had “no information” on the matter. He mentioned plans to meet with other community leaders to share insights and coordinate efforts in gathering information regarding the Akrams.
Regional police director Leon Victor Rosete confirmed that investigators are actively conducting “backtracking operations” to identify individuals who may have interacted with the Akrams, aiming to uncover any potential support networks. The investigation continues to unfold as authorities seek to piece together the timeline of events leading up to the deadly attack in Australia.
The community’s proactive approach reflects a concerted effort to ensure safety and security in Davao City, as residents remain determined to confront any potential threats associated with the recent tragedy.
