PAGADIAN CITY — Philippine authorities on Monday arrested a Jordanian national whose business establishment surfaced in records connected to suspects in a 2025 terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia, in an operation that underscored heightened monitoring of potential transnational security threats in the country.
In a statement released from Camp Sang-An in Zamboanga del Sur, officials said the arrest was carried out through a joint law enforcement operation led by the Bureau of Immigration and the Philippine National Police, with support from military units under Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN and the Philippine Army, including the 102nd Infantry (Igsoon) Brigade and the 53rd Infantry Battalion.
Authorities implemented BI Mission Order No. 080 against Mohammad Odeh Saleh Odeh, 65, for alleged violations of Section 37(a)(7) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, citing overstaying and engaging in gainful business without the required visa or permit. He was apprehended at his business establishment in Pagadian City and was placed under custody pending documentation and further legal proceedings under Philippine immigration laws.
Security review after Sydney attack link
The operation followed a security review conducted by Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN and the 1st Infantry Division after information received through partner security channels indicated that a business establishment in the Philippines associated with Odeh appeared in records linked to individuals suspected in the Dec. 14, 2025 terrorist attack near Bondi Beach in Sydney.
According to authorities, the attack targeted the Jewish community’s “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration and resulted in multiple casualties and injuries. Australian authorities classified the incident as an antisemitic terrorist attack.
Based on the information shared through security coordination channels, Philippine agencies identified Odeh as a person of interest for further review. Officials emphasized that the enforcement action carried out in Pagadian was grounded on verified immigration violations while parallel assessments were conducted to determine any possible security implications.
Immigration status and travel history examined
Authorities said a review of Odeh’s immigration and travel records showed frequent international travel between 2014 and 2025, including trips to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Malaysia.
Records further indicated that Odeh secured a Temporary Residence Visa (TRV) in 2023, which remained valid until March 2025. However, immigration data showed that he stayed in the Philippines for about 10 months beyond the expiration of his visa, prompting the filing of immigration violation charges under Philippine law.
No direct link to terrorism established so far
Officials clarified that initial investigations have not established direct involvement by Odeh in terrorist activities. Nevertheless, authorities said coordination with national and international partners will continue to determine whether there are broader security concerns connected to the case.
The operation, authorities said, reflects strengthened inter-agency coordination among the Bureau of Immigration, the Philippine National Police, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in addressing potential cross-border security risks.
Government security agencies reiterated their commitment to strictly enforcing immigration regulations, protecting national security, and maintaining cooperation with international counterparts in responding to emerging threats that may affect the Philippines and the wider region.