Alleged Bondi Gunmen Operated Independently and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Say.
The two suspected individuals responsible for the lethal attack at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, according to national police.
Investigators further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the capital Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Trip
Authorities assert the individuals did not receive any form of terrorist instruction or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Early findings from local officials point to they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The incident—labeled as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally designated a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently examining the material," she said, explaining that preliminary assessments suggest that "these individuals are alleged to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic investigators.
"There is little to no indication to suggest these accused individuals were affiliated with a broader network, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to carry out an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
Yet, the men were also not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett noted. She emphasized that, given that the probe is still active, additional details could come to light.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both accused gunmen were "influenced by ISIS" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—allegedly targeted attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is due to face court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the wake following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The duo had listed the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. The region is known because, Islamist militants have been known to operate in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
