Dr. Rommel Banlaoi, chairman of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence, and Terrorism Research, has cautioned that while the Philippines has seen a decline in terrorist activity, the threat has not disappeared. His insights come in the wake of revelations that suspects in the Bondi terror attack briefly visited the country, raising questions about the role of local networks in global extremism. 

No Evidence of Training 

Banlaoi underscored that both Philippine and Australian authorities found no evidence the attackers underwent militant training in the Philippines. Their stay—less than a month—was deemed insufficient for any significant preparation. Military spokesmen echoed this view, stressing that the suspects’ movements did not match patterns of formal training. 

Mindanao as a Hub 

The suspects reportedly stayed in a budget hotel in Davao City. Banlaoi clarified that this does not indicate the city was a training ground. Instead, he described it as a “meeting place” or “hub for planning, financing, and logistical arrangements” for foreign terrorist fighters. Historically, the Philippines has been a preferred destination for extremists due to porous borders and existing militant networks, particularly in Mindanao. 

A “New Phase” of Terrorism 

Banlaoi characterized the Bondi attack as part of a “new phase” of terrorism. Unlike the large-scale operations of the past, today’s extremist cells are smaller, often family-based, and radicalized online. Their motivations have shifted from establishing an Islamic state to targeting specific communities, such as the Jewish population, in the context of ongoing Middle East conflicts. 

Declining but Persistent Threat 

Since the 2017 Marawi siege, government counterterrorism efforts have fragmented major groups and weakened their capacity. Yet remnants of ISIS-affiliated organizations, including Abu Sayyaf, remain active. These groups continue to maintain both local and international connections, ensuring that the threat persists despite significant progress. 

Intelligence Gaps 

Banlaoi raised concerns about intelligence cooperation between Australia and the Philippines. He suggested that “a mistake somewhere” may have occurred in monitoring the suspects’ movements, given how easily they evaded law enforcement. This highlights the need for stronger coordination in tracking transnational extremist activity. 

Symbolic Significance 

Finally, Banlaoi argued that the suspects’ visit may have been symbolic—an attempt to reinvigorate jihadist sentiment in the Philippines and inspire future attacks. Rather than serving the attackers directly, the trip could have been intended to send a message to local networks that global extremism remains alive. 

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