Alleged Bondi Gunmen Operated Alone and Received No Preparation in the Philippines, Police State.
The two suspected gunmen responsible for the deadly attack at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, according to Australian law enforcement.
Authorities additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the capital Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Trip
Police have stated the duo did not receive any type of attack-related instruction or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from Philippine authorities point to they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The attack—declared Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially designated a terrorist incident.
"We are actively reviewing the material," she said, adding that preliminary assessments indicate that "these individuals are suspected to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these alleged offenders were affiliated with a wider terrorist cell, or were instructed by overseas entities to execute an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett said.
Yet, the duo were additionally not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, she added. She underscored that, as the inquiry is continuing, new evidence might come to light.
Inspiration and Court Proceedings
Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it appears both accused attackers were "inspired by ISIS" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—are accused of having targeted participants at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.
Immigration Information
In the wake following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The duo had declared the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. It is noted that, Militant groups have been known to operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
