Two men implicated in the Bondi Beach terror incident reportedly spent nearly a month in the Philippines, but Australian Federal Police (AFP) have confirmed they did not participate in any military training during their stay.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated that Sajid and Naveed Akram departed from Sydney bound for Manila on November 1, continuing directly to Davao City.
The pair returned to Sydney on November 29, just two weeks prior to the tragic event on December 14.
“Their travel records indicate they seldom left their hotel,” Barrett informed journalists on Tuesday.
“We have found no evidence suggesting they underwent training or made logistical preparations for the alleged attack.”
The AFP has received CCTV footage of their activities in the Philippines from local authorities, which is currently being analyzed.
Barrett stressed the current assessment suggests the pair acted alone.
‘There is no indication they were part of a wider terrorist cell or directed by others,’ she said.
Alleged terrorists Sajid and Naveed Akram did not undertake military training during their one-month long stay in the Philippines, Commissioner Barrett confirmed
The father and son stayed in the Philippines from November 1 to November 29
The pair stayed in Davao City, seen on this map of the Philippines
‘But I’m not suggesting they were there for tourism.’
An AFP analyst was sent to the Philippines after the attack to help with the investigation on the ground.
Barrett praised the Philippine National Police for their rapid cooperation, describing their role as ‘absolutely crucial’ in securing CCTV evidence from the scene.
She also revealed authorities are investigating radical preachers who allegedly distort Islam to recruit followers and incite hatred, particularly 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 pushed back against mounting calls for a federal royal commission into the Bondi Beach terror attack, insisting that a faster, more targeted inquiry will provide 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.’
Anthony Albanese (pictured) doubled down against holding a federal Royal Commission
Albanese confirmed the Commonwealth will cooperate fully with the New South Wales royal commission, which will investigate police response and gun licensing procedures.
He argued that a sweeping federal inquiry would take years, while the Richardson Review will deliver findings within months.
The review, led by former ASIO chief Dennis Richardson, is tasked with examining what authorities knew about Sajid and Naveed Akram, assessing whether federal-state coordination failed, and identifying 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.’
Victims’ families on Monday publicly released a letter demanding a royal commission, insisting only its powers can ensure full accountability.
