The two suspected gunmen who carried out the lethal incident at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, according to national law enforcement.
Investigators also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Investigators indicate the individuals did not undergo any type of attack-related training or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from Philippine officials indicate they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The attack—described as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
"We are actively examining the material," she said, noting that early reviews indicate that "the two men are suspected to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material tracking the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a larger terrorist cell, or were acting on orders from others to execute an attack," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
Yet, the pair were also not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, she noted. She emphasized that, given that the probe is ongoing, new evidence may emerge.
Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both alleged attackers were "inspired by ISIS" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—allegedly shot participants at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is scheduled to face court in April.
In the aftermath following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The duo had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. The region is known because, Militant groups have reportedly be active in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
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