Alleged Bondi Beach Gunmen Operated Independently and Received No Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Say.

The two suspected attackers responsible for the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, as stated by national law enforcement.

Authorities further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the main city Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.

Lack of Proof of Preparation During Stay

Investigators assert the individuals did not receive any type of attack-related training or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Early inquiries from Philippine authorities suggest they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.

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

"We are currently examining the footage," the commissioner stated, explaining that preliminary assessments suggest that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have operated independently."

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.

"There is little to no indication to support the idea these accused individuals were part of a larger terrorist cell, or were directed by others to execute an incident," Commissioner Barrett said.

However, the pair were also not in the Philippines for tourism, the official added. She stressed that, since the investigation is continuing, additional details could surface.

Ideology and Legal Proceedings

Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it seems both accused attackers were "inspired by ISIS" ideology.

During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—are accused of having opened fire on attendees at the Jewish festival celebration.

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

Immigration Information

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

The two had declared the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist groups have been known to operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.