Suspected Bondi Beach Gunmen Operated Independently and Received No Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Confirm.

The two alleged gunmen responsible for the lethal incident at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, according to national authorities.

Police also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved arriving in the main city Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.

No Evidence of Preparation During Stay

Police indicate the individuals did not partake in any type of terrorist training or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from Philippine authorities indicate they "rarely left" their hotel.

The incident—described as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially classified as a terrorist incident.

"We are actively reviewing the material," the commissioner said, noting that initial evaluations suggest that "these individuals are alleged to have been lone actors."

National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic authorities.

"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these alleged offenders were affiliated with a wider terrorist cell, or were instructed by external parties to perpetrate an incident," the police chief emphasized.

Yet, the duo were additionally not in the Philippines as tourists, she clarified. She emphasized that, given that the probe is ongoing, new evidence may come to light.

Ideology and Court Charges

Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both alleged gunmen were "inspired by ISIS" ideology.

During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—are accused of having targeted participants at the Jewish festival event.

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

Travel Information

In the aftermath following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines reported that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.

The pair had listed the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a large metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. Historically, Militant fighters have reportedly be active in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.