Accused Bondi Beach Gunmen Acted Alone and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Philippines, Investigators Say.

The two alleged attackers who carried out the deadly incident at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, as stated by Australian law enforcement.

Police additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.

Lack of Proof of Preparation During Stay

Authorities indicate the duo did not receive any type of terrorist instruction or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from Philippine authorities point to they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.

The incident—described as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally declared a terrorist incident.

"We are currently examining the evidence," she stated, noting that initial assessments show that "these individuals are believed to have acted alone."

National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic authorities.

"There is little to no indication to indicate these alleged offenders were part of a larger terrorist cell, or were directed by overseas entities to execute an incident," Commissioner Barrett said.

However, the duo were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, she clarified. She emphasized that, since the probe is continuing, fresh information might emerge.

Ideology and Court Charges

Previously, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it appears both accused attackers were "motivated by Islamic State" beliefs.

During the incident, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—are accused of having shot attendees at the Jewish festival celebration.

Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is due to appear in court in April.

Immigration Information

In the aftermath following the attack, border officials in the Philippines stated that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.

The pair had listed the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist militants have been known to operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.