Malacañang has dismissed claims portraying the Philippines as a training hotspot for ISIS-linked groups, saying there is no evidence the suspects in the December 14 Bondi Beach mass shooting in Sydney trained in the country.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the National Security Council (NSC) found no validated reports supporting such allegations and stressed that authorities, with international partners, continue to verify information.
The NSC said ISIS-affiliated groups in the Philippines have been significantly weakened since the 2017 Marawi siege, now operating in a fragmented and diminished capacity, citing UN and US assessments.
It added that violence in Mindanao is largely driven by historical conflicts and local clan disputes.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the NSC said, has directed security agencies to remain vigilant, prevent any terrorist activity, and strengthen international cooperation to safeguard national security.
