While the timing of the Australian attackers’ trip to the Philippines warrants scrutiny, the Islamic State’s presence in the country is much diminished today.

The attackers at Bondi Beach visited the Philippines weeks before the incident. For decades, the country has grappled with militants and terror groups in its southern island.

The beaches of Dimakya, Bantayan and Panglao. (Photos: Getty, Unsplash) The Philippines is an island nation, with a staggering 7,640 islands, of which about 2,000 islands are inhabited. That makes for a cornucopia of coastlines, and an abundance of ...

Discover why the Philippines has been crowned Asia’s leading beach destination for the second year. Explore top islands, visa-free travel, flights from India, and more.

Police in New South Wales, Australia, said they were speaking with the 24-year-old surviving suspect in the Bondi Beach mass shooting in the hospital. No charges have been issued against Naveed Akram yet,