Alleged Bondi Gunmen Acted Independently and Did Not Preparation in the Philippines, Investigators Say.

The pair of accused attackers who carried out the lethal incident at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, according to national law enforcement.

Police further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the main city Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.

No Evidence of Planning During Visit

Authorities assert the individuals did not partake in any type of terrorist instruction or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Initial findings from local authorities point to they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.

The shooting—described as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a act of terrorism.

"We are currently examining the footage," she said, explaining that early evaluations indicate that "the alleged offenders are believed to have operated independently."

National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that security camera video showing the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic authorities.

"Our investigation shows no evidence to suggest these accused individuals were affiliated with a wider network, or were instructed by external parties to execute an attack," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.

Yet, the men were also not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She stressed that, as the probe is still active, fresh information could surface.

Motivation and Court Proceedings

Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it appears both alleged attackers were "influenced by Islamic State" ideology.

During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—allegedly opened fire on guests at the Hanukkah event.

Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been charged with 59 charges. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is due to face court in April.

Immigration Information

In the wake following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines indicated that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.

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

Davao is a expansive metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. Historically, Islamist groups have reportedly operate in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.