Philippine authorities have provided new insights into the movements of the father and son accused of a violent attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, Sydney. The pair reportedly spent a significant portion of November in the Philippines, specifically in Davao City, as part of an extended visit.

The duo, now facing charges in connection with the Bondi Beach incident, were observed by local law enforcement and hotel personnel to have remained largely confined to their hotel room during their stay, with only brief excursions lasting about an hour. These details were reported by The Guardian, which also noted that they did not engage with other hotel guests or receive any visitors.

Speculation had arisen suggesting that their visit might have been for the purpose of receiving training from Islamist groups rumored to be active in the region. However, authorities in the Philippines have dismissed these claims, stating there is no evidence to support such theories.

Meanwhile, the community continues to grieve, with mourners laying flowers at a memorial on Bondi Beach in remembrance of the victims of the tragic event on December 15, 2025.

Mourners place flowers at a memorial at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on Dec. 15, 2025. (AAP/Bianca De Marchi via Reuters)

On Tuesday, the Philippines Bureau of Investigation said the two accused gunmen traveled to the Philippines on Nov. 1 aboard Philippine Airlines Flight PR212 from Sydney to Manila before making their way to Davao, according to Reuters. The two left the Philippines on Nov. 28, just weeks before they allegedly carried out the Bondi Beach attack.

Davao City is located on the island of Mindanao, which has been under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” advisory since May. However, the State Department said Davao City, in addition to a few other locations, is an exception to the advisory.

“Terrorist and armed groups in Mindanao have historically engaged in kidnappings for ransom, in addition to bombings and other attacks. These incidents often target foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, as well as civilians, local government entities, and security forces,” the State Department’s advisory reads.

A note is left attached to a flower at a tribute for shooting victims outside the Bondi Pavilion at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

In 2017, Islamic State-inspired militants stormed Marawi, the capital of Lanao del Sur province in the Muslim-majority Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Mindanao. Reuters reported that the siege of Marawi displaced approximately 350,000 residents and left more than 1,100 dead, most of whom were militants.

The city is currently under a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory, with the State Department warning that “civilians face risk of death or injury from ongoing clashes between terrorist group remnants and Philippine security forces in Marawi.”

Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) noted that while the influence and strength of Islamic State-aligned groups has declined in recent years, the Philippines military has had infrequent clashes with remnants of the groups.

Family members of a victim from Sunday’s shooting mourn at a flower memorial made after the shooting at Bondi Beach on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Mark Baker/AP Photo)

The Bondi Beach attack unfolded on Sunday as gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration, killing at least 15 and leaving dozens injured. The older gunman, who was the younger gunman’s father, died at the scene.

On Wednesday, New South Wales Police announced the 59 charges against the 24-year-old surviving suspected gunman, including “commit terrorist act,” 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of “cause wounding/grievous bodily harm to person with intent to murder,” “discharge firearm etc intend cause grievous bodily harm,” “cause public display of prohibited terrorist org symbol” and “place explosive in/near building with intent to cause harm.”

NSW Police said the alleged gunman is still hospitalized and under police guard.