Law enforcement officials have identified Naveed Akram as one of the subjects of interest in continuing investigations. They tracked him on closed circuit television video in Davao, Philippines, as he peripatetic lay over in November for a month at the GV Hotel. If you ask anyone on the staff in the hotel, they will tell you that’s Akram in the video. He had booked the hotel from November 1 through November 28.
The hotel employees logged their first impressions after looking at the CCTV footage. Specifically, their gait and overall build seemed to closely mirror that of the suspect seen in Naveed Akram. This connection begs further inquiry as to the nature of his visit and possible ties to the growing regional security issues.
Details of Akram’s Stay
Naveed Akram arrived at the GV Hotel in Davao with his father, Sajid Akram, at approximately 11:40 PM on November 1. Throughout their month-long stay, they paid weekly rent to stay in what were often run-down and overcrowded boarding houses. The hotel employees remembered that Naveed Akram typically wore very informal outfits. He was usually dressed in a t-shirt, shorts and thongs — similar to what the man was wearing in the short clip of CCTV footage released by police.
Upon checking out at 12:05 PM on November 28, Naveed Akram and his father departed Davao. According to immigration officials, they arrived in Davao on November 1 and exited the country on November 28. Unsurprisingly, their visit comes amidst monumental major developments unfolding in the region. Now, because of the only persistent and worsening security threat, authorities worry about the broader connections.
Context of Islamic Militancy in Mindanao
Davao is only a half-day drive from her home regions of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao in Mindanao. These spaces have a past overrun with debilitating fight Islamic radicalism. In fact, these regions are often the epicenters of violent extremism. This became especially acute after Philippine forces regained control of Marawi City from Islamic State-linked militants in 2017. We killed tens of ISIL fighters each day during this operation. Since then, we’ve concentrated on dismantling the last vestiges of these networks.
Philippine authorities have made repeated efforts to quell the fears associated with the local militancy. Eduardo Ano, a security official, stated, “Philippine security forces have significantly degraded ISIS-affiliated groups in the country.” He further insisted that “the remnants of these organizations have been broken up, stripped of command and control, and operationally degraded.”
Even with continued efforts, concerns remain with possible harmful training and activities in the area. Ano clarified that there is no credible report or proof that the two underwent military training in the country. Furthermore, the assertion is at odds with the scant evidence available today.
Ongoing Investigations
The probe into Naveed Akram’s actions is ongoing as investigators piece together what Akram’s time in Davao could mean. The resemblance between him and the man captured on CCTV has prompted further scrutiny into his movements during this period. Given Davao’s closeness to areas affected by conflict, law enforcement agencies continue to closely monitor any possible connections to extremist operations.
Security analysts feel that as more information emerges about Akram there is potential to uncover vital patterns. These patterns pose serious implications for travel to areas that are dealing with significant instability. The dangers of such findings stretch far beyond our own national borders, given the international attention to fighting terrorism and extremism.
