Worrying Recollections Reemerge in Davao City as Officials Trace Bondi Attack Suspects’ Time in the City

That was the most terrifying moment of his life. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS attack claimed 15 lives, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged siege between the army and the militant group in Marawi ensued.

Nine years later, the shadow of IS reappears over one of the country's largest cities, during worldwide focus over the four-week stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, saw news of the attack on the television, but as with other locals surveyed, felt mostly disconnected.

The 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities stands in a section of the night market, appearing out of place amid the celebratory mood as hundreds came there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Holiday Cheer

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the duo is happening while the predominantly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are busy, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have emphasized the inquiry into their activities is ongoing and the precise reason for their trip is as yet uncertain.

Confidence in Safety Record

Lorenzo is additionally confident that no one could carry out another act of terror in the city for a long time governed by the political machine of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and notorious – was built on aggressively securitising Davao through tough anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has rejected claims that it was a terrorist training ground for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are limited in size and degraded.

Authorities Trace Activities

What is clear, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor underwent military-style training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Law enforcement have said they are “taking seriously” the pair’s presence in the country as they reconstruct the actions of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are numerous establishments the two could have gone to or had meetings in the area. Dozens of outlets sit between the hotel where they stayed and a local restaurant, where they were reported to buy their food.

Detectives are analyzing security camera video and tracking cab rides to establish their movements, and that any potential lead are being entertained.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are concerned that new associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and increase discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must determine what took place.

Manlupig commended local initiatives in improving the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that radicalism magically vanished”. He said the country must confront root causes and political factors that motivate the reasons behind the conflict while “continue pushing for acceptance and steer clear of prejudice and sectarianism”.