Publisher’s Note: The following is a formal statement of solidarity provided by the Australians for Philippine Human Rights Network (APHRN). Philtimes.com.au provides this space for community perspectives. For our previous reporting on these events, read Filipino community calls for unity as Bondi terror investigation turns to Philippines link
FILIPINOS CONDEMN THE BONDI VIOLENCE, MOURN THE LOSS OF LIVES AND EXPRESS SOLIDARITY WITH THE AUSTRALIAN-JEWISH COMMUNITY
The horrific terrorist attack in Bondi, New South Wales that claimed the lives of 15 innocent people and injured more than 40 others deserves the strongest condemnation. We deeply mourn with the victims’ families the loss of innocent lives. There is absolutely no justification for such heinous acts that have no place in a peace-loving society. The massacre took place during the Hanukkah Festival celebration last Sunday, 14th of December 2025.
Our thoughts and hearts go out to the families, friends and communities affected by this tragic incident.
As the investigation unfolds, the Philippines — particularly Davao City — has been portrayed by sections of the mainstream media as a terrorist hotspot or training ground, based on reports that the perpetrators, Sajid Akram and his son Naveen, spent weeks in Davao prior to the Bondi attack. While these claims warrant a thorough and transparent investigation, and any individual involved must be held accountable under the law, broad generalisations about the Philippines are deeply unfair and should be condemned. Such narratives risk fuelling racial bias and discrimination, particularly against peace-loving Filipinos with strong ties to Australia. Malacañang and the Philippine military have spoken critically to insinuations linking the Philippines with the violence.+3
Antisemitism and Islamophobia have no place in our society. Racism and discrimination are tools often used by powerful elites to divide and control people who seek peace, fairness, and justice. The bravery of Ahmed, a Muslim man who risked his life to save Jewish people during the attack, is a powerful reminder that our shared humanity remains strong. It proves that compassion, courage, and solidarity transcend religion and ethnicity.+2
We are a community built on love, fairness, and inclusivity — values threatened by war-mongering, extremism, hatred and racist ideologies. As Australians, we must stand together to defend justice and protect our way of life. No foreign power, nor any extremist element within society, should dictate who we are as a nation or as a people.+2
We are joined by our ‘mga kababayan’ (compatriots) in the Philippines and those overseas in condemning the violence, mourning the loss of innocent lives and being in solidarity with the families and friends of the victims.
In peace and solidarity,
Australians for Philippine Human Rights Network (Australia) 18 December 2025
List of Signatories
National Convenor: Melba Marginson
ACT: Cy Rago, Emy Liwag Gasendo, Jayson Lamchek
New South Wales: Eleanor Trinchera, Mariza Sollano
Queensland: Malou de los Santos-Aguilar, Marlo Marfil, Mary Ann Boehme, Rommel Pangaruy, Roselle Tenefrancia, SaraBern Holdsworth
South Australia: Arnold Callado, Mario Trinidad
Tasmania: Florence Parker
Victoria: Bong Ramilo, Carlos Ocampo, Dominic Roque Gonzales, Elle Lucin, Fe Abogadie, Gabby Ocampo, May Leal, Ranee Abanilla, Rocky Joseph, Rod Oremor, Versie Tamblyn
