Suspected Bondi Beach Gunmen Operated Independently and Received No Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police State.
The two alleged attackers who carried out the fatal attack at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, according to national authorities.
Authorities further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Visit
Investigators indicate the pair did not partake in any type of attack-related training or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Early investigations from local officials point to they "rarely left" their hotel.
The incident—labeled as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally designated a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively reviewing the evidence," the commissioner stated, noting that initial reviews suggest that "these individuals are believed to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to support the idea these suspects were part of a wider terrorist cell, or were directed by overseas entities to carry out an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett stated.
But, the men were additionally not in the Philippines as tourists, she noted. She emphasized that, given that the investigation is continuing, fresh information could emerge.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it seems both accused attackers were "motivated by ISIS" ideology.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—allegedly opened fire on guests at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Immigration Information
In the days following the attack, border officials in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The two had declared the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist groups have been known to be active in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
