Accused Bondi Attackers Operated Alone and Did Not Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police State.
The two suspected gunmen who carried out the deadly incident at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, according to national authorities.
Investigators also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the capital Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Visit
Investigators assert the pair did not receive any type of terrorist training or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from Philippine authorities point to they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The attack—described as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally designated a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively examining the footage," the commissioner stated, adding that initial reviews show that "these individuals are suspected to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that security camera video showing the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"There is little to no indication to support the idea these alleged offenders were members of a wider organization, or were directed by overseas entities to carry out an act of violence," the police chief said.
Yet, the duo were also not in the Philippines as tourists, she added. She stressed that, as the inquiry is still active, new evidence may come to light.
Inspiration and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it appears both accused gunmen were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having targeted participants at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been charged with 59 offences. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.
Travel Details
In the days following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The two had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. It is noted that, Militant groups have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.