Alleged Bondi Attackers Acted Solo and Did Not Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Say.
The pair of accused attackers responsible for the fatal attack at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, per national authorities.
Police further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the capital Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Visit
Authorities have stated the pair did not undergo any form of terrorist training or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from Philippine officials point to they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The attack—described as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a act of terrorism.
"We are actively analyzing the material," the commissioner said, noting that preliminary reviews suggest that "the two men are believed to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these accused individuals were affiliated with a broader terrorist cell, or were directed by others to carry out an act of violence," she emphasized.
However, the men were likewise not in the Philippines for tourism, Commissioner Barrett noted. She emphasized that, given that the inquiry is ongoing, new evidence could emerge.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
Earlier, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both alleged gunmen were "influenced by Islamic State" beliefs.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having opened fire on guests at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is due to face court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the wake following the attack, border officials in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The pair had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. Historically, Islamist groups have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.