Alleged Bondi gunmen Sajid and Naveed Akram were not visiting the Philippines as tourists when they spent nearly a month in the country ahead of the December 14 attack, police say, as they continue investigating how the pair were radicalised.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the two men travelled from their home in Sydney to Manila then on to Davao City in the southern Philippines on November 1. They returned to Sydney on November 29.
Naveed Akram, 24, is facing 59 charges relating to the shooting where 15 people were killed and dozens more injured. His father, 50-year-old Sajid, was also killed during the alleged attack.
While investigations are continuing, Ms Barrett said it appeared that the two men had acted alone in planning and carrying out the alleged attack, based on the information police have at the moment.
“There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a broader terrorist cell or were directed by others to carry out an attack,” she said on Tuesday.
“However, I want to be clear, I am not suggesting that they were there for tourism.
“The initial assessment from the Philippines National Police is that the individuals rarely left their hotel, and there is no evidence to suggest they received training or underwent logistical preparation for their alleged attack.”
AFP officers are reviewing CCTV footage from the hotel and other places capturing the Akrams’ stay in the Philippines.
Ms Barrett said the AFP has worked with counterparts in the Philippines on counter-terrorism in the region for decades and that their support over the past fortnight had been critical.
https://thewest.com.au/news/australia/not-there-for-tourism-police-track-alleged-bondi-gunmens-movements-in-philippines-c-21156774
