The two men accused of the Bondi Beach terror attack spent nearly a month in the Philippines – but never received military training, police say.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett confirmed Sajid and Naveed Akram flew from Sydney to Manila on November 1, then travelled to Davao City.
Father and son returning to Sydney on November 29 – just two weeks before the December 14 attack that killed 15 and injured many more.
‘Travel records show they rarely left their hotel. There is no evidence they received training or prepared logistically for the alleged attack,’ Barrett told reporters.
Philippine authorities have provided CCTV footage from their stay, which AFP investigators are now reviewing.
Barrett emphasised that current assessments point to the pair acting alone.
‘There is no indication they were part of a wider terrorist cell or directed by others. But I’m not suggesting they were there for tourism,’ she said.
An AFP analyst was dispatched to the Philippines after the attack to assist with the investigation.
Barrett praised the Philippine National Police for their swift cooperation, calling their role ‘absolutely crucial’ in securing CCTV evidence.
She revealed authorities are probing radical preachers accused of twisting Islam to recruit followers and stir hatred, especially against the Jewish community.
‘We’ve gone through sermons line by line and sought expert legal advice on charging those who spread fear and hatred,’ she said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejected growing calls for a federal royal commission into the Bondi Beach terror attack, arguing a faster, more focused inquiry will deliver answers.
‘Well, I recognise that many of the calls for a royal commission come from a good place,’ he said.
‘This atrocity is something which understandably, people want answers on how it occurred. I want answers too and I want justice done.’
Albanese confirmed the Commonwealth will fully cooperate with the NSW Royal Commission, which will examine police response and gun licensing.
He argued a broad federal inquiry could take years, while the Richardson Review will report back within months.
The review, led by former ASIO chief Dennis Richardson, will examine what authorities knew about Sajid and Naveed Akram, whether federal-state coordination broke down, and any gaps in Australia’s counter-terror systems.
‘It will look at a comprehensive examination of what occurred, if there are any gaps, and what response is required,’ Albanese said.
‘Thoroughly, practically and efficiently. Reporting in months, not years ahead, acting with unity and urgency, not division and delay.’
On Monday, victims’ families released a letter demanding a royal commission, arguing only its powers can guarantee full accountability.
