Bondi attack suspects kept to themselves during Philippines stay, hotel staffer recalls |
By Mikhail Flores
DAVAO CITY, Philippines, Dec 20 (Reuters) - When the two gunmen accused of attacking a Hanukkah event at Sydney's Bondi Beach travelled to the Philippines last month, they kept to themselves most of the time and barely left their room, a hotel staff member said. When they did, it was almost always around 9 a.m. and lasted just a little over an hour, said the worker, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity after the hotel's management ordered its staff not to talk to media. Police allege Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24, killed 15 people on December 14 as hundreds celebrated the Jewish holiday.
Authorities say the attack, which shocked Australia and led to fears of rising antisemitism, appears to have been inspired by Islamic State. Sajid was killed at the scene while Naveed faces murder and terror charges after waking from a coma.
"They were not approachable at all. Other foreigners........