Alleged Bondi Attackers Operated Solo and Did Not Training in the Philippines, Authorities State.
The pair of accused individuals who carried out the fatal attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, per national police.
Police also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the capital Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Trip
Authorities assert the duo did not receive any type of terrorist instruction or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Early inquiries from local officials suggest they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been formally designated a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively examining the evidence," she said, noting that preliminary evaluations show that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that surveillance material documenting the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic investigators.
"There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were members of a broader network, or were directed by external parties to carry out an attack," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
However, the men were also not in the Philippines as tourists, she clarified. She underscored that, given that the inquiry is continuing, additional details could surface.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
Earlier, Australian leader Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both alleged attackers were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—allegedly shot guests at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Details
In the aftermath following the attack, border officials in the Philippines reported that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The two had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. It is noted that, Militant groups have been known to be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
