Alleged Bondi Shooters Acted Solo and Received No Instruction in the Philippines, Police State.
The two suspected gunmen who carried out the fatal attack at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, according to national police.
Investigators also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the capital Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Trip
Authorities indicate the duo did not partake in any type of attack-related coaching or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from local authorities point to they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The incident—described as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.
"We are currently analyzing the material," the commissioner said, adding that initial reviews indicate that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material tracking the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to support the idea these accused individuals were affiliated with a wider organization, or were instructed by external parties to perpetrate an act of violence," she emphasized.
But, the duo were also not in the Philippines as tourists, the official added. She stressed that, given that the inquiry is ongoing, new evidence could come to light.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
Previously, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it seems both accused gunmen were "inspired by ISIS" beliefs.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—allegedly targeted attendees at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.
Immigration Details
In the wake following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The two had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. Historically, Militant groups have been known to operate in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
