The two suspected attackers who carried out the fatal shooting at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, per national authorities.
Authorities also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Stay
Investigators assert the duo did not partake in any type of terrorist instruction or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from Philippine officials suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The incident—declared Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially classified as a terrorist incident.
"We are currently analyzing the footage," the commissioner stated, adding that initial reviews suggest that "these individuals are suspected to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material tracking the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were affiliated with a wider network, or were instructed by others to perpetrate an attack," she stated.
Yet, the men were additionally not in the Philippines as tourists, the official clarified. She stressed that, given that the inquiry is still active, new evidence may surface.
Ideology and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both alleged attackers were "influenced by ISIS" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—are accused of having opened fire on participants at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been charged with 59 crimes. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is due to appear in court in April.
Immigration Information
In the days following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The duo had listed the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. The region is known because, Militant groups have been known to operate in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
