President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has rejected claims branding the Philippines as an “ISIS training hotspot” following reports that suspects in the Bondi Beach shooting incident had previously traveled to the country.

Malacañang said the President strongly rejects this sweeping statement and the misleading characterisation of the Philippines as an ISIS training hotspot.

The National Security Council (NSC, likewise said the characterisation was misleading.

“Currently, there is no validated report or confirmation that the individuals involved in the Bondi Beach incident received any form of training in the Philippines,” the statement said.

The Philippine authorities continue to verify all information, but no evidence has been presented to show that the country was used for terrorist training.

She also noted that since the Marawi siege, Philippine law enforcement agencies have been able to significantly degrade ISIS-affiliated groups in the country.

Earlier, Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval said 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram—suspects in the Australia shooting incident—arrived in the Philippines from Sydney on November 1.

Sandoval said Sajid Akram is an Indian national and an Australian resident, while Naveed Akram is an Australian national. During their visit to the Philippines, both reportedly listed Davao as their final destination.

The two left the Philippines on November 28, travelling from Davao to Manila before flying back to Sydney.

On December 14, the two gunmen opened fire at a Jewish holiday celebration at Bondi Beach, killing 15 people.

The death toll later rose to 16 after one of the gunmen was killed.