Suspected Bondi Attackers Operated Alone and Received No Instruction in the Philippines, Authorities State.

The two suspected gunmen responsible for the fatal shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, as stated by national police.

Police also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the main city Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.

Lack of Proof of Preparation During Stay

Investigators have stated the individuals did not receive any form of terrorist instruction or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Early inquiries from Philippine authorities point to they "rarely left" their accommodation.

The attack—labeled as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.

"We are actively reviewing the evidence," the commissioner stated, explaining that preliminary assessments suggest that "these individuals are believed to have operated independently."

National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.

"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these suspects were members of a wider organization, or were directed by overseas entities to perpetrate an act of violence," the police chief emphasized.

But, the men were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, she clarified. She underscored that, given that the probe is still active, fresh information might emerge.

Ideology and Court Charges

In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both accused attackers were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.

During the incident, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—are accused of having opened fire on attendees at the Jewish festival event.

Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been charged with 59 charges. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.

Travel Information

In the wake following the attack, border officials in the Philippines stated that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.

The pair had stated the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a expansive urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. The region is known because, Militant militants have reportedly be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.