Suspected Bondi Beach Gunmen Operated Independently and Did Not Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Say.

The two suspected gunmen responsible for the fatal incident at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, per Australian police.

Police additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the main city Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.

Lack of Proof of Training During Stay

Investigators indicate the pair did not receive any form of terrorist coaching or "organizing" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial investigations from local officials indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.

The attack—declared Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially designated a terrorist incident.

"We are actively analyzing the footage," the commissioner said, adding that early assessments show that "these individuals are alleged to have operated independently."

Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that surveillance material tracking the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.

"There is no evidence to support the idea these accused individuals were affiliated with a broader terrorist cell, or were directed by overseas entities to carry out an act of violence," the police chief stated.

Yet, the men were also not in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett noted. She stressed that, given that the probe is continuing, fresh information might surface.

Inspiration and Court Proceedings

Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it appears both alleged attackers were "inspired by ISIS" beliefs.

During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—allegedly opened fire on guests at the Jewish festival event.

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

Immigration Information

In the wake following the shooting, immigration authorities 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 duo had stated the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. The region is known because, Islamist militants have been known to operate in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.