Troubling Memories Resurface in Davao as Authorities Trace Bondi Beach Attack Suspects’ Time in the City

It was the most frightening experience of his existence. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State assault killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A lengthy conflict between the army and the extremist group in Marawi City followed.

Years later, the shadow of IS reappears over one of the nation's largest cities, amid worldwide focus over the 28-day 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 therapist at the night market, learned of Bondi on the television, but like other locals surveyed, felt predominantly disconnected.

The 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is working to forget. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims is placed in a corner of the night market, looking out of place amidst the festive mood as crowds gathered there for meals, massages and goods.

Current Inquiries Amid Festive Cheer

Investigations into the time in the Philippines of the father and son is happening while the mostly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been decorated with a towering Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have emphasized the investigation into their activities is active and the exact reason for their stay is as yet unknown.

Faith in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is additionally assured that nobody could execute another terror attack in the city for a long time administered by the political machine of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and infamous – was built on aggressively securitising Davao through hardline law and order and drug war policies. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand searching bags.

The authorities has pushed back against allegations that it was a hub for extremists for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are small and degraded.

Investigators Reconstruct Whereabouts

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

Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the pair’s stay in the country as they piece together the actions of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are many locations the two could have gone to or had meetings in the area. Scores of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a local popular fast food chain, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage and tracking cab rides to reconstruct their movements, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Fears in the Region Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with IS-linked militants in 2017, locals are anxious that fresh terrorist labels could lead to increased security measures and increase discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must determine what transpired.

Manlupig commended civic actions in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that extremism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that drive the impulses behind the violence while “continue pushing for acceptance and steer clear of bias and polarization”.