Accused Bondi Attackers Operated Independently and Did Not Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Say.

The two suspected gunmen who carried out the fatal incident at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, according to national police.

Authorities additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the main city Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.

Lack of Proof of Preparation During Visit

Authorities have stated the individuals did not undergo any form of terrorist instruction or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Initial investigations from Philippine officials point to they "rarely left" their accommodation.

The incident—described as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.

"We are currently analyzing the material," she stated, adding that early assessments suggest that "the two men are believed to have acted alone."

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett told the press on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic investigators.

"There is no evidence to indicate these suspects were part of a broader terrorist cell, or were instructed by overseas entities to carry out an attack," Commissioner Barrett said.

Yet, the pair were likewise not in the Philippines for tourism, Commissioner Barrett noted. She stressed that, as the inquiry is continuing, new evidence might surface.

Motivation and Court Proceedings

In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it appears both alleged gunmen were "motivated by ISIS" beliefs.

During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having opened fire on guests at the Jewish festival celebration.

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

Immigration Particulars

In the days following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.

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

Davao is a large city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. It is noted that, Islamist groups have been known to be active in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.