Suspected Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Independently and Did Not Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Confirm.
The two suspected individuals who carried out the lethal incident at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, according to national police.
Authorities further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the capital Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Stay
Authorities indicate the duo did not partake in any form of attack-related training or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial investigations from local officials suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.
"We are currently analyzing the material," the commissioner said, adding that preliminary reviews show that "these individuals are believed to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"There is little to no indication to indicate these alleged offenders were part of a larger organization, or were instructed by overseas entities to carry out an attack," the police chief said.
However, the pair were also not in the Philippines as tourists, she clarified. She underscored that, as the investigation is ongoing, fresh information might surface.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
Previously, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both alleged attackers were "influenced by Islamic State" beliefs.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—allegedly targeted guests at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 charges. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Immigration Information
In the aftermath following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines indicated that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The pair had stated the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. It is noted that, Militant militants have been known to operate in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
