Bondi Terror Suspects Maintained Secretive Behavior During Philippines Hotel Stay

The two gunmen accused of carrying out the deadly Hanukkah attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach maintained an extremely low profile during their month-long stay in the Philippines, according to hotel staff who witnessed their suspicious behavior firsthand.

Hotel employees at GV Hotel in Davao City describe how Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24, kept to themselves and rarely ventured outside their room during their November stay. When they did leave, it was typically around 9 a.m. for just over an hour, according to a staff member who spoke anonymously to Reuters.

Deadly Attack Shocks Australia

Police allege the father-son duo killed 15 people on December 14 as hundreds celebrated the Jewish holiday at Bondi Beach. The attack, which authorities believe was inspired by Islamic State, has heightened concerns about rising antisemitism in Australia.

Sajid Akram was killed at the scene, while his son Naveed faces murder and terror charges after recovering from a coma. The incident represents a stark reminder of how international terror networks continue to threaten democratic societies worldwide.

Suspicious Hotel Behavior Raises Questions

The hotel staff's testimony reveals a pattern of deliberate isolation that should concern security analysts. "They were not approachable at all. Other foreigners would typically talk to us," the anonymous hotel worker explained.

The suspects initially booked a seven-day stay through a third party but extended their visit three times, paying exclusively in cash. This payment method, combined with their reclusive behavior, represents classic operational security tactics used by extremist networks.

GV Hotel confirmed the men were originally scheduled to arrive November 15 but appeared earlier on November 1, suggesting possible operational flexibility or changes to their timeline.

Limited Interactions Tell a Story

Staff recall minimal interaction with Naveed Akram, who inquired about purchasing bottled water and asked about buying durian fruit. His father Sajid maintained complete silence with hotel personnel throughout their stay.

"They had no visitors. They did not bring anyone else inside their room, none at all," the worker emphasized, highlighting their operational isolation.

When leaving the hotel, Sajid carried a backpack while Naveed used a shoulder bag, though staff could not determine the contents or whether items were brought from outside.

Philippine Investigation Continues

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año confirmed ongoing investigations into the duo's activities, noting they didn't spend sufficient time outside their hotel to travel elsewhere in Mindanao or undergo training.

This assessment, while reassuring, raises questions about how effectively authorities monitor potential threats operating within their borders. The incident demonstrates how terrorists can exploit tourism infrastructure while maintaining operational security.

Año noted that extremist threats in the Philippines have declined since the 2017 Marawi siege, which claimed over 200 lives. However, this latest connection to international terrorism suggests continued vigilance remains essential.

Local Community Concerns

Abubacar Camid, who leads a nearby mosque community, confirmed the suspects never visited local Muslim facilities. His community immediately reviewed security footage upon learning of the Davao connection, demonstrating responsible self-policing.

Local residents express concern that this incident could damage Mindanao's reputation recovery efforts. "For how many years, Mindanao has been trying to redeem itself," said recent graduate John Edward Mier, reflecting broader community frustrations.

This case underscores the importance of maintaining robust security frameworks while protecting legitimate tourism and economic activities. Democratic societies must balance openness with security, ensuring that extremist networks cannot exploit our freedoms to plan attacks against innocent civilians.