Suspected Bondi Attackers Acted Alone and Received No Instruction in the Philippines, Police Say.

The pair of accused gunmen responsible for the lethal attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, according to Australian authorities.

Authorities also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the main city Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.

Lack of Proof of Planning During Trip

Investigators have stated the duo did not undergo any type of attack-related training or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Initial findings from local authorities indicate they "rarely left" their hotel.

The attack—labeled as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially designated a terrorist incident.

"We are currently reviewing the footage," she stated, adding that preliminary evaluations suggest that "the two men are believed to have operated independently."

Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that surveillance material documenting the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been provided to Australian investigators.

"Our investigation shows no evidence to suggest these suspects were members of a broader network, or were acting on orders from external parties to carry out an attack," she said.

Yet, the pair were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, the official noted. She stressed that, given that the inquiry is continuing, new evidence may emerge.

Inspiration and Court Charges

Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it appears both alleged gunmen were "inspired 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 targeted participants at the Jewish festival celebration.

Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is due to face court in April.

Travel Particulars

In the aftermath following the attack, border 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 pair had listed the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a sprawling urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. It is noted that, Islamist militants have been known to operate in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.