NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Palace Pushes Back Against 'Terror Hub' Label
FILE
Malacañang has urged foreign media organizations to be more careful and responsible in their reporting after the Philippines was portrayed as a possible hub for terrorist activity.
The call followed confirmation by authorities that the gunmen behind the Bondi Beach mass shooting in Sydney had stayed in the Philippines for 28 days before returning to Australia. Palace officials warned that linking the country to terrorism without verified evidence risks damaging its integrity and international image.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government is taking the matter seriously, noting that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Anti-Terrorism Council to remain vigilant against potential threats and to continue close coordination with international partners to protect national security.
Castro emphasized that the administration strongly rejects what it described as sweeping and misleading characterizations of the Philippines as an ISIS training ground.
In a statement relayed by the Palace, the National Security Council (NSC) clarified that there are no validated reports showing that the father-and-son suspects received terrorist training while in the Philippines prior to the December 14 attack in Bondi Beach. Authorities, in coordination with international partners, continue to verify all available information, but so far no evidence has surfaced to support claims that the country was used for terrorist training.
The NSC also highlighted that since the 2017 Marawi Siege, Philippine security forces have significantly weakened ISIS-affiliated groups. Assessments by the United Nations and the United States indicate that these groups are now fragmented and operating at a much-reduced capacity. According to the Council, violence in Mindanao today is largely rooted in historical conflicts and local clan disputes rather than the operational strength of ISIS-linked organizations.
The Council underscored improvements in the country’s domestic security environment, crediting the sustained efforts of security forces and the resilience of communities in promoting peace, order, and development nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the Philippines’ solidarity with Australia. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said she personally conveyed condolences to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and reiterated the strong cooperation between the two countries in security and law enforcement, as well as their shared commitment to protecting communities from intolerance, hatred, and violence.
The call followed confirmation by authorities that the gunmen behind the Bondi Beach mass shooting in Sydney had stayed in the Philippines for 28 days before returning to Australia. Palace officials warned that linking the country to terrorism without verified evidence risks damaging its integrity and international image.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government is taking the matter seriously, noting that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Anti-Terrorism Council to remain vigilant against potential threats and to continue close coordination with international partners to protect national security.
Castro emphasized that the administration strongly rejects what it described as sweeping and misleading characterizations of the Philippines as an ISIS training ground.
In a statement relayed by the Palace, the National Security Council (NSC) clarified that there are no validated reports showing that the father-and-son suspects received terrorist training while in the Philippines prior to the December 14 attack in Bondi Beach. Authorities, in coordination with international partners, continue to verify all available information, but so far no evidence has surfaced to support claims that the country was used for terrorist training.
The NSC also highlighted that since the 2017 Marawi Siege, Philippine security forces have significantly weakened ISIS-affiliated groups. Assessments by the United Nations and the United States indicate that these groups are now fragmented and operating at a much-reduced capacity. According to the Council, violence in Mindanao today is largely rooted in historical conflicts and local clan disputes rather than the operational strength of ISIS-linked organizations.
The Council underscored improvements in the country’s domestic security environment, crediting the sustained efforts of security forces and the resilience of communities in promoting peace, order, and development nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the Philippines’ solidarity with Australia. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said she personally conveyed condolences to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and reiterated the strong cooperation between the two countries in security and law enforcement, as well as their shared commitment to protecting communities from intolerance, hatred, and violence.
Dec 17, 2025
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