Worrying Remembrances Resurface in Davao as Officials Track Bondi Beach Attack Alleged Attackers' Time in the City

It was the most frightening moment of his existence. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS attack claimed 15 lives, including his brother-in-law. A prolonged siege between the armed forces and the extremist group in Marawi ensued.

Years 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 suspected Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, saw news of the attack on the news, but as with other residents surveyed, felt largely disconnected.

Even the 2016 blast is a painful recollection he is working to forget. A monument for the 2016 deaths is placed in a section of the night market, seeming mismatched against the celebratory environment as crowds gathered there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Active Investigations Amid Holiday Preparations

Probes regarding the visit to the country of the father and son comes as the predominantly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

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

Confidence in Security Legacy

Lorenzo is furthermore confident that no one could execute another act of terror in the city for a long time administered by the clan of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both notable and infamous – was forged through aggressively securitising Davao through strict anti-crime and anti-drug policies. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four officers stand searching bags.

The national government has pushed back against claims that it was a terrorist training ground for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of unrest and marginalization that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are small and degraded.

Investigators Reconstruct Activities

What is certain, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor received combat training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Investigators have said they are “treating with gravity” the pair’s stay in the country as they reconstruct the activities of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are several locations the two could have visited or connected with associates in the area. Many of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a nearby restaurant, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Officers are reviewing CCTV footage and tracing cab rides to piece together their itinerary, and that all possibilities are being entertained.

Fears in Marawi City Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are anxious that fresh associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and increase discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must determine what happened.

Manlupig commended local initiatives in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle root causes and political factors that fuel the reasons behind the conflict while “persist in promoting acceptance and steer clear of discrimination and division”.