Alleged Bondi Shooters Acted Independently and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Philippines, Authorities Say.

The pair of accused individuals who carried out the deadly attack at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, according to Australian police.

Police also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included arriving in the capital Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.

Lack of Proof of Preparation During Trip

Authorities indicate the individuals did not partake in any form of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Initial findings from Philippine officials indicate they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.

The shooting—declared Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.

"We are actively analyzing the material," she stated, explaining that early evaluations show that "these individuals are alleged to have operated independently."

National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.

"There is no evidence to indicate these alleged offenders were part of a larger terrorist cell, or were instructed by overseas entities to execute an act of violence," the police chief emphasized.

But, the men were likewise not in the Philippines as tourists, the official clarified. She emphasized that, given that the probe is ongoing, fresh information might surface.

Motivation and Court Proceedings

Earlier, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it appears both accused attackers were "motivated by Islamic State" beliefs.

During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—are accused of having opened fire on attendees at the Jewish festival celebration.

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

Travel Information

In the aftermath following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.

The two had listed the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. Historically, Islamist militants have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.