Accused Bondi Beach Gunmen Operated Alone and Received No Instruction in the Philippines, Investigators Say.

The pair of accused attackers responsible for the deadly shooting at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, according to Australian law enforcement.

Investigators further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the main city Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.

Lack of Proof of Preparation During Trip

Authorities have stated the pair did not undergo any form of terrorist instruction or "organizing" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from Philippine authorities indicate they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.

The attack—described as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.

"We are currently reviewing the evidence," the commissioner said, noting that early assessments indicate that "the alleged offenders are believed to have operated independently."

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett told reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.

"There is little to no indication to support the idea these accused individuals were affiliated with a wider network, or were directed by others to perpetrate an attack," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.

But, the duo were also not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, she clarified. She stressed that, given that the inquiry is still active, additional details may surface.

Inspiration and Legal Proceedings

Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it looks as though both accused gunmen were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.

During the incident, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—allegedly shot guests at the Jewish festival celebration.

Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is due to appear in court in April.

Travel Particulars

In the aftermath following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.

The two had declared the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a large urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. It is noted that, Militant groups have reportedly be active in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.