Suspected Bondi Attackers Acted Independently and Did Not Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators State.
The two alleged gunmen responsible for the fatal incident at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, according to national law enforcement.
Police also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the main city Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Stay
Authorities indicate the individuals did not partake in any type of attack-related instruction or "organizing" during their time in the Philippines. Initial findings from Philippine officials point to they "rarely left" their hotel.
The shooting—described as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently analyzing the material," the commissioner stated, noting that early assessments show that "the two men are alleged to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian investigators.
"There is no evidence to indicate these alleged offenders were part of a wider organization, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to perpetrate an attack," Commissioner Barrett said.
Yet, the duo were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, the official added. She underscored that, given that the investigation is continuing, fresh information may surface.
Motivation and Legal Charges
Previously, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it seems both alleged gunmen were "inspired by ISIS" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—allegedly targeted attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been charged with 59 charges. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Details
In the days following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The two had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. Historically, Militant groups have reportedly be active in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
