DAVAO CITY, Dec. 20 -- The Mindanao Alliance for Progress (MAP) said Saturday there is no evidence linking the Bondi Beach shooting suspects' stay in Mindanao to any form of militant activity or military-style training, disputing claims that have labeled the region a "terror hotspot."

The MAP issued the statement following media reports that described Mindanao as such after disclosures that two individuals involved in the Bondi Beach attack in Australia had previously stayed in Davao City.

According to MAP coordinator Mayet Valdez, accounts from hotel staff indicated that the individuals largely remained inside their rooms and went out only for brief periods during their stay.

Valdez stressed that Mindanao has enjoyed years of relative...