The pair of accused individuals who carried out the lethal incident at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, according to national authorities.
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 involved arriving 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 Planning During Visit
Investigators indicate the individuals did not partake in any form of attack-related training or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial findings from local authorities indicate they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The incident—labeled as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially classified as a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently examining the footage," the commissioner said, explaining that early assessments indicate that "these individuals are suspected to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"There is little to no indication to support the idea these accused individuals were part of a larger terrorist cell, or were instructed by overseas entities to execute an attack," Commissioner Barrett stated.
But, the pair were also not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, she added. She stressed that, given that the probe is ongoing, additional details might emerge.
Motivation and Legal Charges
In prior statements, Australian leader Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both alleged gunmen were "motivated by ISIS" beliefs.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having shot participants at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been charged with 59 crimes. These encompass 15 counts 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, immigration officials in the Philippines indicated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The duo had listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. Historically, Militant militants have reportedly be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
