PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Philippine authorities arrested a 65-year-old Jordanian national on Monday, March 2, over immigration violations. His business surfaced in records linked to suspects in the December 2025 terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI), in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), led the operation in arresting Mohammad Odeh Saleh Odeh in Pagadian City. Military units from the 102nd Infantry (Igsoon) Brigade, including the 53rd Infantry Battalion, provided support to Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN/1st Infantry Division.
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The BI served Mission Order No. 080 to Odeh for alleged violations of Section 37(a)(7) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, citing overstaying and engaging in gainful business without the appropriate visa or permit.
Odeh was taken into custody at his place of business and is undergoing documentation and legal processing in accordance with immigration laws.
Business flagged in security review
Authorities said the arrest followed a security review conducted by Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN / 1st Infantry Division. A Philippine-based business linked to Odeh appeared in records connected to individuals suspected of the December 14, 2025, terrorist attack near Bondi Beach in Sydney.
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.
Philippine security agencies identified the Jordanian as a person of interest for further review, prompting coordination among law enforcement and immigration authorities to verify his legal status in the country.
Overstaying, travel history
Immigration records showed that Odeh obtained a Temporary Residence Visa in 2023, valid until March 2025. However, authorities said he overstayed in the Philippines for about 10 months beyond the visa’s expiration.
From 2014 to 2025, records indicate he frequently traveled between Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Malaysia.
Authorities clarified that initial investigations have not established direct involvement by Odeh in terrorist activities. They said coordination with national and international counterparts will continue to assess any broader security implications.
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