Bondi live updates reveal that gunmen likely travelled to the Philippines a month before the attack, authorities say
Live Reporting
Edited by Johanna Chisholm
1.
Philippines investigative body examining activities of alleged Bondi gunmen; update published at 07:04 GMT
Virma Simonette reporting from Manila
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is coordinating with other government agencies to trace the activities of Sajid and Naveed Akram, the individuals alleged to be Bondi gunmen. NBI spokesperson Palmer Mallari confirmed to the BBC that the father and son visited Davao and potentially nearby areas. The NBI, often regarded as the Philippines’ counterpart to the FBI, was established in 1936 with the FBI serving as a model during its creation.
2.
What you need to know at a glance; update published at 06:53 GMT
As we reported, Australian police are probing a two‑gunmen trip to the Philippines a month before the Bondi Beach shooting that killed 15 people. Here are the key details this morning:
- Sajid Akram, 50, entered the Philippines on an Indian passport, and his son Naveed, 24, used an Australian passport, according to Manila border authorities.
- It has been reported that the pair travelled to receive what has been described as “military-style training.”
- Australia’s prime minister says the attack appears to be motivated by Islamic State ideology, while police say a vehicle used by the gunmen contained homemade Islamic State flags and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
- Among the victims were a 10-year-old girl, a British-born rabbi, a retired police officer, and a Holocaust survivor. Latest figures indicate 24 people remain in hospital with injuries.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns have pledged to tighten gun laws in light of the attack.
- In a related note, Albanese called a man filmed grappling a gun from one of the attackers a “true Australian hero” after visiting him in hospital.
3.
Two dozen continue hospital treatment after Bondi Beach attack; update published at 06:42 GMT
NSW Health reports that as of 16:30 local time (05:30 GMT), 24 people injured in Sunday’s Sydney attack are still receiving hospital care. The figure includes individuals who have been discharged but may require follow-up treatment. Three patients remain in critical condition, five are described as “critical but stable,” and the rest are stable. NSW Health extends its deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those affected by the incident. Note that one alleged gunman was killed during the attack, while the second was hospitalized with injuries; it remains unclear if he is included in this latest update.
4.
Gunmen visited the Philippines in November, Manila authorities say; update published at 06:40 GMT
Virma Simonette reporting from Manila
The two alleged Bondi gunmen travelled to the Philippines from 1 November to 28 November, according to the country’s immigration bureau. Sajid Akram, 50, used an Indian passport, while his son Naveed, 24, used an Australian passport. They listed Davao, in Mindanao’s southern region, as their final destination, with their return flight to Australia scheduled from Sydney. Davao is a major city in Mindanao, an area known for its economic disparities and, at times, militant activity.
The Philippine military could not immediately confirm earlier reports that the pair underwent “military-style training” while in the country.
5.
Police probe Bondi gunmen’s Philippines trip a month before the shooting; update published at 06:25 GMT
Reuters image
Australian police are examining the trip to the Philippines taken by the two alleged Bondi gunmen in the month preceding the Bondi Beach attack. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon indicated that the suspects’ Philippine visit is under investigation. ABC News previously cited security sources suggesting the men travelled to receive “military-style training” there. Meanwhile, mourners gathered at a Bondi Beach memorial, and reporters noted it will take time for the community to return to its vibrant, iconic shoreline.
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