MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. dismissed claims portraying the Philippines as a training ground for violent extremist groups, Malacañang said.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the National Security Council (NSC) found no evidence that the father-and-son suspects in the December 14 mass shooting in Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia received training in the Philippines.

“The President strongly rejects the sweeping statement and the misleading characterization of the Philippines as the ISIS training hotspot,” Castro said during a press briefing.

According to the NSC, reports describing the Philippines as an ISIS hotspot are misleading, as there is currently no validated information linking the suspects to any training in the country.

“Philippine authorities in coordination with international partners continue to verify all available information but no evidence has been presented to support claims that the country was used for terrorist training,” the NSC said in a statement read by Castro.

The NSC also noted that Philippine security forces have significantly weakened ISIS-affiliated groups since the 2017 Marawi siege, reflecting marked improvements in domestic security.

“Both United Nations and the US Government assessments indicate that these groups now operate in a fragmented and diminished capacity. Violence in Mindanao is largely driven by historical conflicts and local clan disputes rather than the operational capacity of ISIS-affiliated organizations,” the NSC said.

It highlighted the sustained efforts of security forces and communities in advancing peace, order, and development nationwide.

The NSC added that President Marcos continues to direct the Anti-Terrorism Council and other agencies to remain vigilant against terrorist activity and strengthen cooperation with international partners to safeguard national security.