Accused Bondi Attackers Acted Independently and Received No Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities State.
The two alleged gunmen responsible for the deadly incident at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, as stated by Australian authorities.
Authorities also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included arriving in the main city Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Stay
Authorities assert the duo did not undergo any type of terrorist instruction or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from Philippine authorities point to they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The incident—declared Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently examining the material," the commissioner said, explaining that early evaluations suggest that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these suspects were members of a wider terrorist cell, or were instructed by others to carry out an act of violence," the police chief said.
But, the pair were likewise not in the Philippines for tourism, she noted. She emphasized that, as the probe is still active, fresh information might come to light.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese said it appears both alleged attackers were "inspired by ISIS" ideology.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—allegedly shot participants at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Immigration Details
In the days following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The two had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. Historically, Militant militants have reportedly be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
