Accused Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Independently and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Confirm.

The pair of accused gunmen responsible for the fatal incident at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, according to Australian authorities.

Police further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the capital Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.

No Evidence of Planning During Visit

Authorities indicate the duo did not partake in any form of attack-related coaching or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Initial investigations from local authorities indicate they "rarely left" their hotel.

The shooting—labeled as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been officially designated a terrorist incident.

"Our teams are actively analyzing the material," she said, noting that early assessments suggest that "these individuals are alleged to have acted alone."

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.

"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these suspects were affiliated with a wider network, or were acting on orders from external parties to perpetrate an attack," she emphasized.

However, the men were also not in the Philippines for tourism, the official clarified. She underscored that, as the inquiry is still active, fresh information might emerge.

Ideology and Court Proceedings

In prior statements, Australian leader Anthony Albanese remarked it looks as though both accused gunmen were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" ideology.

During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—allegedly opened fire on participants at the Hanukkah celebration.

Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 charges. 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 Information

In the wake following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.

The duo had declared the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. The region is known because, Islamist militants have reportedly operate in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.