Suspected Bondi Shooters Acted Solo and Received No Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Confirm.
The pair of accused individuals responsible for the lethal incident at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, according to national authorities.
Investigators also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the main city 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 Trip
Police have stated the individuals did not receive any type of terrorist training or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Initial investigations from Philippine authorities indicate they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The attack—labeled as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively reviewing the material," she said, noting that preliminary assessments suggest that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that surveillance material documenting the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to support the idea these accused individuals were affiliated with a wider terrorist cell, or were instructed by overseas entities to carry out an incident," the police chief stated.
However, the men were also not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett noted. She emphasized that, since the investigation is still active, fresh information may emerge.
Inspiration and Court Proceedings
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it appears both alleged attackers were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—are accused of having opened fire on guests at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is due to face court in April.
Travel Information
In the wake following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The duo had listed the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. Historically, Islamist militants have reportedly operate in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
