The pair of accused attackers responsible for the lethal incident at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, as stated by Australian police.
Police also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the capital Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Visit
Police assert the pair did not undergo any type of terrorist instruction or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Early inquiries from local authorities suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The attack—described as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been officially classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently reviewing the footage," the commissioner said, adding that early evaluations suggest that "the two men are suspected to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been provided to Australian authorities.
"There is little to no indication to suggest these alleged offenders were members of a wider terrorist cell, or were acting on orders from external parties to carry out an incident," she said.
But, the men were also not in the Philippines as tourists, the official added. She underscored that, given that the investigation is continuing, fresh information could surface.
Motivation and Court Charges
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it looks as though both accused gunmen were "influenced by ISIS" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—allegedly targeted attendees at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Travel Details
In the wake following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The duo had listed the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. Historically, Islamist fighters have reportedly operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
