Accused Bondi Beach Attackers Operated Alone and Received No Instruction in the Philippines, Police Say.

The two suspected attackers responsible for the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, according to national law enforcement.

Investigators further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the main city Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.

Lack of Proof of Planning During Visit

Authorities assert the pair did not receive any type of terrorist training or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary inquiries from local officials suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.

The incident—described as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been officially declared a act of terrorism.

"Our teams are actively reviewing the footage," she said, adding that preliminary reviews indicate that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have operated independently."

Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that security camera video showing the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.

"There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a broader terrorist cell, or were acting on orders from external parties to perpetrate an incident," Commissioner Barrett said.

However, the duo were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, she added. She emphasized that, since the investigation is ongoing, additional details could come to light.

Motivation and Legal Proceedings

In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both alleged attackers were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.

During the incident, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—are accused of having targeted guests at the Jewish festival celebration.

Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 crimes. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is scheduled to face court in April.

Immigration Details

In the wake following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines indicated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.

The duo had stated the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a large city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. It is noted that, Islamist militants have been known to operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.