Alleged Bondi Gunmen Operated Independently and Did Not Training in the Philippines, Authorities Confirm.
The two alleged attackers responsible for the fatal attack at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, according to national authorities.
Police additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Visit
Investigators have stated the pair did not partake in any type of attack-related training or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Early findings from Philippine officials point to they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The incident—declared Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a terrorist incident.
"We are actively examining the evidence," she said, adding that early assessments suggest that "the alleged offenders are believed to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to support the idea these alleged offenders were affiliated with a broader network, or were directed by others to carry out an attack," she said.
But, the pair were likewise not in the Philippines as tourists, the official noted. She stressed that, given that the inquiry is ongoing, fresh information might come to light.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both alleged attackers were "inspired by ISIS" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—allegedly opened fire on attendees at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been charged with 59 crimes. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Immigration Details
In the wake following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines indicated that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The two had listed the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. The region is known because, Militant militants have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.