The two alleged individuals who carried out the deadly attack at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, according to national law enforcement.
Police additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved arriving in the capital Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Stay
Police indicate the individuals did not receive any type of terrorist instruction or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Initial findings from Philippine authorities indicate they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The incident—declared Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.
"We are actively analyzing the evidence," she stated, noting that preliminary evaluations show that "these individuals are alleged to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett told the press on Tuesday that security camera video showing the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these suspects were affiliated with a wider terrorist cell, or were acting on orders from others to perpetrate an attack," the police chief emphasized.
But, the men were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, she added. She stressed that, given that the inquiry is continuing, additional details could emerge.
Ideology and Legal Charges
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it appears both accused gunmen were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having opened fire on guests at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is due to face court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the wake following the attack, border officials in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The duo had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. The region is known because, Militant fighters have reportedly operate in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
