Alleged Bondi Shooters Spent Weeks in Philippines Hotel

A father-and-son duo, alleged to have perpetrated a deadly shooting that left 15 people dead at Bondi Beach in Australia, reportedly stayed at a hotel in the Philippines for several weeks. Hotel staff revealed that Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram checked into the GV Hotel in Davao on November 1, 2023, and maintained a low profile during their visit.

According to immigration officials, the Akrams paid 930 pesos (approximately $16) per night for a modest room equipped with two single beds. Throughout their stay, staff described their behavior as withdrawn, noting that they typically left their room only for short periods each day.

Angelica Ytang, the night desk manager, reported that the pair rarely engaged with other guests. “They weren’t approachable like other foreigners,” she stated, adding that her interactions were mostly with Naveed, while Sajid often avoided making eye contact. Their outings appeared limited, with the longest time spent outside the hotel being about one hour.

During one of these brief excursions, the duo inquired about purchasing durian, a popular Southeast Asian fruit known for its strong odor. “They asked me, ‘Where can we buy durian?’” Ytang recalled, although their search proved unsuccessful.

The Akrams’ stay at the GV Hotel has come under scrutiny as Australian authorities investigate possible links to extremist groups. Reports indicate that they may have traveled to the southern Mindanao region of the Philippines, an area with a history of Islamist insurgencies. However, officials from the Philippines have stated that there is no evidence to suggest that the country was being used to train terrorists.

Ytang mentioned that the hotel staff recognized the Akrams’ faces in news reports following the tragic events at Bondi Beach. They had reportedly left a tip upon their departure, with Naveed instructing his father to give the money to Ytang. “(Naveed) said, ‘That’s yours,’” she noted, expressing disbelief over their apparent kindness despite the serious allegations against them.

The situation has drawn attention from law enforcement agencies, with the Davao police confirming they would release a statement regarding the Akrams’ activities. A regional police spokeswoman indicated that further details would be forthcoming.

As investigations continue, the implications of the Akrams’ visit to the Philippines raise questions about security and the potential for extremist activity in the region. The authorities are working diligently to ascertain whether their actions could indicate a broader threat.

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