Accused Bondi Beach Gunmen Acted Solo and Did Not Instruction in the Philippines, Police Confirm.
The pair of accused attackers responsible for the lethal incident at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, according to Australian law enforcement.
Investigators also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the main city Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Stay
Authorities indicate the pair did not receive any type of terrorist instruction or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary inquiries from local officials point to they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The incident—labeled as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
"We are currently reviewing the footage," the commissioner stated, explaining that initial reviews show that "the two men are alleged to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these alleged offenders were affiliated with a wider terrorist cell, or were instructed by external parties to execute an attack," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
But, the pair were likewise not in the Philippines for tourism, she noted. She stressed that, since the probe is still active, additional details may surface.
Inspiration and Legal Proceedings
Previously, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both alleged gunmen were "inspired by ISIS" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—allegedly opened fire on guests at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 crimes. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Travel Details
In the wake following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines reported that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The two had listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. Historically, Militant groups have been known to be active in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
