Alleged Bondi Beach Attackers Operated Independently and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Philippines, Police Say.

The two suspected gunmen who carried out the lethal attack at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, as stated by national authorities.

Police additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the main city Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.

Lack of Proof of Training During Visit

Authorities have stated the pair did not partake in any type of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Early findings from Philippine officials indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.

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

"Our teams are actively reviewing the material," she said, adding that initial evaluations suggest that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have acted alone."

Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett told the press on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been provided to Australian investigators.

"There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were affiliated with a larger terrorist cell, or were instructed by external parties to carry out an act of violence," she stated.

But, the duo were also not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, the official added. She underscored that, as the investigation is continuing, new evidence may come to light.

Motivation and Court Charges

Earlier, Australian leader Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both alleged gunmen were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.

During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having opened fire on attendees at the Hanukkah event.

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

Immigration Information

In the wake following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines reported that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.

The duo had stated the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a expansive urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. It is noted that, Islamist militants have been known to operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.