Disturbing Recollections Return in Davao as Officials Track Bondi Beach Attack Suspects’ Movements

That was the scariest moment of his life. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS attack killed 15, among them his wife's brother. A prolonged siege between the armed forces and the extremist group in the city of Marawi followed.

Nearly a decade later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the nation's major cities, amid worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the alleged Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, heard about the Bondi incident on the television, but as with other residents spoken to, felt largely disconnected.

The 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A memorial for the 2016 victims is placed in a part of the night market, looking incongruous amidst the celebratory environment as crowds came there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Current Investigations Amid Festive Celebrations

Probes regarding the visit to the country of the father and son is happening while the mostly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been decorated with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have stated the probe into their actions is continuing and the true reason for their stay is still unclear.

Confidence in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is also assured that no one could execute another terrorist strike in the city for a long time ruled by the political machine of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and controversial – was established by tightly securing Davao through tough law and order and anti-drug initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has pushed back against allegations that it was a base for militant training for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of instability and marginalization that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, security officials say they are limited in size and diminished.

Police Piece Together Activities

What is evident, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor received weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Investigators have said they are “treating with gravity” the father and son's visit in the country as they map out the activities of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are many locations the two could have frequented or met contacts in the neighborhood. Many of establishments sit between the hotel where they stayed and a close by popular fast food chain, where they were reported to buy their food.

Officers are examining surveillance tapes and following cab rides to piece together their itinerary, and that every scenario are being entertained.

Worries in Marawi Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with extremist groups in 2017, locals are worried that renewed terrorist labels could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must establish what took place.

Manlupig lauded local initiatives in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism magically vanished”. He said the country must confront economic and social issues and political factors that fuel the impulses behind the unrest while “persist in promoting tolerance and steer clear of discrimination and division”.