Alleged Bondi Shooters Operated Independently and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Philippines, Police Confirm.

The two alleged gunmen responsible for the fatal incident at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, as stated by Australian authorities.

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

No Evidence of Training During Stay

Authorities indicate the individuals did not receive any type of attack-related instruction or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Early findings from Philippine officials indicate they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.

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

"We are actively reviewing the evidence," she stated, noting that initial assessments suggest that "the two men are suspected to have acted alone."

National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that surveillance material tracking the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic authorities.

"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these suspects were affiliated with a broader network, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to execute an incident," the police chief emphasized.

But, the men were additionally not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, she noted. She stressed that, since the inquiry is still active, additional details may surface.

Motivation and Court Charges

In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it seems both accused attackers were "inspired by ISIS" beliefs.

During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—allegedly opened fire on participants at the Hanukkah event.

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

Travel Information

In the days following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.

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

Davao is a expansive urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. The region is known because, Militant fighters have reportedly operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.