Suspected Bondi Beach Gunmen Acted Solo and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Philippines, Police Confirm.
The pair of accused individuals responsible for the deadly attack at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, as stated by Australian police.
Police further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the main city Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Stay
Police assert the individuals did not partake in any form of attack-related instruction or "organizing" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial investigations from local officials point to they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The incident—described as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively examining the material," the commissioner stated, explaining that early assessments suggest that "the two men are alleged to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material tracking the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these alleged offenders were part of a broader organization, or were acting on orders from external parties to execute an act of violence," she emphasized.
Yet, the duo were also not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, the official added. She emphasized that, as the inquiry is continuing, fresh information may surface.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it appears both accused attackers were "motivated by ISIS" beliefs.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—allegedly shot guests at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 offences. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is due to face court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the aftermath following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The duo had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist militants have reportedly operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
