Accused Bondi Attackers Acted Independently and Did Not Undergo Training in the Philippines, Authorities Say.

The pair of accused attackers who carried out the fatal attack at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, according to national authorities.

Investigators additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the capital Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.

Lack of Proof of Training During Trip

Authorities assert the pair did not undergo any type of terrorist instruction or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from Philippine officials suggest they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.

The incident—declared Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.

"We are actively reviewing the evidence," she stated, adding that early assessments suggest that "the two men are suspected to have operated independently."

National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett told reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic authorities.

"Our investigation shows no evidence to suggest these accused individuals were members of a wider terrorist cell, or were directed by others to perpetrate an attack," Commissioner Barrett stated.

Yet, the pair were also not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, Commissioner Barrett added. She underscored that, as the probe is continuing, additional details could emerge.

Ideology and Legal Charges

Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both alleged gunmen were "inspired by Islamic State" beliefs.

During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—are accused of having shot participants at the Hanukkah event.

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

Immigration Particulars

In the aftermath following the attack, border officials in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.

The two had stated the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked 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 fighters have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.