Troubling Memories Reemerge in Davao City as Officials Track Bondi Beach Shooting Alleged Attackers' Activities

That was the scariest time of his existence. Back in the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a detonation at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State assault claimed 15 lives, among them his brother-in-law. A lengthy battle between the army and the militant group in Marawi came after.

Nearly a decade later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the nation's major cities, during international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the accused Bondi suspects, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, heard about Bondi on the television, but similar to other locals surveyed, felt predominantly disconnected.

Even the 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 deaths is placed in a part of the night market, seeming mismatched amid the celebratory mood as crowds flocked there for food, massages and trinkets.

Active Probes Amid Holiday Celebrations

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the pair is happening while the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have emphasized the investigation into their activities is active and the true reason for their stay is still unclear.

Confidence in Policing History

Lorenzo is also certain that no one could carry out another terror attack in the city long administered by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both notable and controversial – was forged through tightly securing Davao through hardline law and order and anti-drug initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand searching bags.

The authorities has rejected suggestions that it was a terrorist training ground for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and marginalization that has seen some Muslim separatist groups forge ties with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are limited in size and degraded.

Authorities Reconstruct Whereabouts

What is evident, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor underwent military-style training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Law enforcement have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's presence in the country as they map out the actions of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are many establishments the two could have visited or connected with associates in the vicinity. Scores of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a local popular fast food chain, where they were known to buy their meals.

Police are analyzing CCTV footage and following taxi trips to piece together their movements, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Fears in Marawi Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, residents are concerned that fresh accusations of extremism could lead to heightened securitisation and deepen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must determine what transpired.

Manlupig commended community efforts in improving the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront economic and social issues and governance challenges that fuel the impulses behind the violence while “persist in promoting understanding and avoid discrimination and division”.