Alleged Bondi Gunmen Operated Independently and Did Not Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Confirm.

The pair of accused gunmen responsible for the fatal incident at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, per national law enforcement.

Investigators also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the main city Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.

No Evidence of Training During Trip

Investigators assert the individuals did not undergo any type of terrorist coaching or "organizing" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial findings from Philippine authorities suggest they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.

The attack—declared Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been formally designated a act of terrorism.

"We are currently reviewing the evidence," she stated, noting that initial reviews suggest that "these individuals are suspected to have operated independently."

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic investigators.

"Our investigation shows no evidence to suggest these suspects were part of a larger terrorist cell, or were directed by overseas entities to carry out an act of violence," the police chief said.

But, the men were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official added. She underscored that, since the investigation is still active, new evidence might come to light.

Inspiration and Court Charges

Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both alleged attackers were "influenced by ISIS" extremist views.

During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—are accused of having targeted participants at the Hanukkah celebration.

Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been charged with 59 crimes. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is due to face court in April.

Travel Particulars

In the days following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.

The two had declared the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a sprawling city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist groups have reportedly be active in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.