Accused Bondi Shooters Acted Alone and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Philippines, Police Say.

The two alleged attackers responsible for the lethal shooting at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, as stated by Australian 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 involved arriving in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.

No Evidence of Training During Visit

Investigators have stated the duo did not partake in any form of terrorist instruction or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Early findings from local officials point to they "rarely left" their hotel.

The incident—labeled as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.

"We are actively reviewing the evidence," the commissioner said, explaining that initial assessments suggest that "these individuals are believed to have acted alone."

Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to Australian investigators.

"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these suspects were affiliated with a broader network, or were acting on orders from others to perpetrate an attack," Commissioner Barrett stated.

Yet, the pair were also not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, she noted. She underscored that, since the inquiry is ongoing, fresh information might come to light.

Inspiration and Court Charges

Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it appears both alleged gunmen were "motivated by ISIS" beliefs.

During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—are accused of having shot guests at the Hanukkah celebration.

Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.

Immigration Details

In the days following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.

The two had listed the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a large metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist groups have been known to be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.