The pair of accused individuals responsible for the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, according to national police.
Police further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the capital Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Visit
Investigators assert the pair did not undergo any type of terrorist training or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Early investigations from local officials indicate they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The incident—declared Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively analyzing the material," the commissioner said, adding that initial reviews show that "the alleged offenders are believed to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these accused individuals were part of a wider organization, or were instructed by external parties to execute an act of violence," she emphasized.
Yet, the pair were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, the official noted. She emphasized that, given that the inquiry is still active, fresh information could come to light.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both accused attackers were "inspired by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having targeted attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been charged with 59 offences. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is due to appear in court in April.
Travel Information
In the days following the attack, border officials in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The duo had listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. The region is known because, Islamist fighters have been known to operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
