Alleged Bondi Attackers Operated Alone and Received No Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities State.
The two suspected attackers responsible for the fatal incident at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, according to national authorities.
Authorities also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Stay
Police indicate the duo did not receive any type of terrorist coaching or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Initial investigations from Philippine officials point to they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The shooting—described as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been formally designated a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively reviewing the evidence," the commissioner stated, adding that preliminary assessments suggest that "these individuals are suspected to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian investigators.
"There is no evidence to indicate these suspects were members of a larger terrorist cell, or were instructed by others to execute an act of violence," the police chief stated.
But, the duo were additionally not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official clarified. She emphasized that, given that the inquiry is ongoing, additional details could surface.
Ideology and Court Proceedings
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both alleged gunmen were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" ideology.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—are accused of having shot participants at the Hanukkah 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 carrying out a act of terrorism. He is due to face court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the aftermath following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The two had listed the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. Historically, Militant groups have reportedly be active in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.