As Australia reels from the horror of the 14 December terror attack at Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives during a Hanukkah celebration, the Filipino-Australian community has joined the national chorus of grief and condemnation.
While the attack has been designated a terrorist act targeting the Jewish community, the revelation that the perpetrators – father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram – recently travelled to the Philippines has brought the tragedy closer to home for many Filipino-Australians.
Manila Denies “Training Ground” Claims
Australian Federal authorities confirmed Wednesday that the gunmen travelled to the Philippines in November 2025, just weeks before the attack.
In a briefing on Tuesday, Malacañang confirmed that the pair arrived in Manila on November 1 and listed Davao as their destination. They departed the Philippines on November 28 before returning to Sydney.
However, the Philippine government has moved quickly to dismiss speculation that the pair received terror training during their visit.
In a statement released through the Palace Press Office, the National Security Adviser (NSA) strongly denied that the Philippines has become a “training ground” for ISIS-inspired individuals.
“While we confirm the individuals’ travel history, there is no intelligence to suggest they engaged in training activities or made contact with extremist groups,” the statement read. The NSA emphasised that security forces have significantly degraded local terror networks in recent years, rejecting the narrative that the country remains a safe haven for foreign militants.
Despite the denial, Australian and Philippine intelligence agencies continue to coordinate closely to reconstruct the pair’s movements during their month-long stay.
FILCCA: “A cowardly act”
Leading the community response is the Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA), the peak body representing Filipino organisations nationwide.
In a statement released on 15 December, FILCCA National President Roxanne Sarthou expressed “heavy hearts and a deep sense of outrage”, calling the attack an atrocity that violates the core tenets of Australian multiculturalism.
“We view multiculturalism as one of Australia’s greatest strengths – a nation built by people of different cultures, faiths and backgrounds who live side by side with mutual respect,” Sarthou said.
She lamented that the Hanukkah celebration, intended as a “celebration of light”, was overshadowed by “cowardly and anti-Semitic actions”.
“We commiserate with all Australian Jewish communities in these dark hours, and pray for justice, tolerance, and lasting peace in the days to come,” the statement read.
NSW Leadership Call for ‘Bayanihan’
As the tragedy unfolded in their home state, leaders in New South Wales expressed deep shock. Maria Grace Liston, President of the Philippine Community Council of NSW (PCCNSW), said the shooting left her “deeply shaken” and served as a “stark reminder that even in a place as welcoming and diverse as Australia, we must remain vigilant”.
Liston urged the community to draw upon traditional Filipino values to navigate the trauma.
“Drawing on the spirit of bayanihan – our enduring tradition of communal unity and support – we encourage everyone to look out for their neighbours, check in on friends and family,” Liston said.
She also touched on the broader national debate regarding safety laws. While acknowledging Australia’s strict gun regulations post-Port Arthur, Liston noted that “no system is foolproof” and that the tragedy suggests a “proactive and adaptive approach remains essential”.
“It’s prompted me to be more vigilant and to think carefully about what I’d do in an emergency situation, even in places I’ve always considered safe like shopping centres or parks,” she added.
An attack on Australia’s identity
For many in the Filipino community, the attack has shattered the sense of security that draws so many migrants to Australia.
Melba Marginson, Lead Convenor of the Australians for Philippine Human Rights Network and a former Victorian Multicultural Commissioner, stated that “this extremist violence is a direct attack on what makes Australia the country that it is”.
Comparing the tragedy to the Port Arthur massacre and the Lindt Cafe siege, Marginson described the Bondi attack as “probably one of the most hideous” incidents she has witnessed in her 35 years in Australia.
“As a first generation Filipino… I know how it feels to live dangerously because I was a witness to many tragedies in my country of origin,” Marginson said. “Living now in a wealthy nation like Australia, however, has made me feel we are safe here… I am therefore devastated to see this attack on Australia’s Jewish community.”
Marginson noted that the tragedy has had a tangible impact on daily life. “There are now public places that make us feel we should be careful about,” she admitted.
This hesitation is personal – invited to light the Menorah at the upcoming Chanukkah festival at Federation Square, she is waiting to hear if the event will proceed, but remains resolute.
“I am determined to attend the Chanukkah because we need to show our solidarity to our Jewish sisters and brothers now, more than ever,” she said.
Mental health and community care
Beyond the immediate shock, leaders are concerned about the “silent” impact of the tragedy – the mental toll on vulnerable community members consuming 24-hour news coverage.
“Those who are prone to depression could experience extreme sadness, fear and even paranoia,” Marginson warned, urging Filipinos to look out for those “who fall into the cracks” of the community’s usually vibrant social gatherings. She emphasised that free counselling services are available and should be utilised.
Vigilance for the festive season
With the holiday season underway, other community leaders are echoing the call for heightened situational awareness.
Sydney-based community leader Jun Relunia OAM extended his sympathies to the “victims, families and the Jewish community affected by last night’s (14 Dec) terrorism attacks… as the Jewish community celebrated its Hanukkah Festival”.
Relunia warned that as the Filipino community prepares for its own end-of-year gatherings, safety must remain a priority.
“Let us all be careful these coming days as we join the big celebration for the Christmas Festival, New Year’s Festival and the Sydney Festival,” Relunia said.
Courage over fear
Despite the grim details emerging from the investigation, the community is finding hope in acts of bravery – specifically the heroism of Ahmed al Ahmed, the Muslim-Australian fruit shop owner who disarmed one of the shooters.
Citing this act, Marginson emphasised that the fight is not between religions, but against hatred itself.
“The heroic act of a Muslim Australian… in disarming one of the shooters and saving many lives, shows this was not about religion but about hate,” Marginson said. “The evil forces behind these mass shootings will be more emboldened if we do not show our courage to fight the fear and division they are sowing.”
[Community responses compiled by Jason Cordi and Alice Nicolas]
