The Philippines has firmly denied allegations that its territory was used to train terrorists, following reports that the perpetrators of the recent Sydney attack had spent time on a southern Philippine Island where Islamist groups are active.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Presidential spokeswoman Claire Castro, quoting the National Security Council, said there is no evidence to substantiate claims that the country served as a training ground for those involved in the Sydney attack.
“No evidence has been presented to support the claims that the Philippines was used to train terrorists,” Castro said. “There is no credible report or confirmation that any individuals involved in the Bondi Beach incident received any form of training in the Philippines.”
The denial comes a day after Australian authorities revealed that the attackers had visited the Philippines in November, raising concerns due to the presence of extremist groups in parts of the country’s south, according to media reports,
Philippine officials stressed that travel to the area does not imply involvement with militant organizations.
The government reiterated its commitment to counterterrorism cooperation with international partners and emphasized that it continues to work closely with regional and global security agencies to prevent the misuse of its territory for extremist activities.
Earlier it was reported the father and son accused of carrying out Sunday’s mass shooting at a Hanukkah festival on Bondi Beach, Sydney, had traveled to the Philippines in November before the attack.
