Troubling Memories Reemerge in Davao City as Investigators Trace Bondi Shooting Suspects’ Activities

That was the scariest experience of his life. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The Islamic State attack killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A five-month conflict between the armed forces and the jihadist group in Marawi City followed.

Years later, the threat of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, amid worldwide focus over the 28-day stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, heard about the Bondi incident on the media, but as with other residents interviewed, felt predominantly detached.

The 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A memorial for the 2016 victims stands in a part of the night market, appearing incongruous amidst the joyful atmosphere as many people came there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Active Probes Amid Festive Cheer

Probes regarding the visit to the country of the duo is happening while the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the probe into their actions is active and the exact reason for their stay is as yet uncertain.

Faith in Security History

Lorenzo is also assured that nobody could carry out another terror attack in the city for a long time governed by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both notable and notorious – was established by tightly securing Davao through hardline anti-crime and anti-drug campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand searching bags.

The authorities has denied claims that it was a hub for extremists for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some Muslim separatist groups establish links with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are limited in size and weakened.

Investigators Reconstruct Movements

What is certain, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor underwent combat training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Police have said they are “taking seriously” the father and son's visit in the country as they piece together the activities of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are many establishments the two could have visited or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Many of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a nearby restaurant, where they were known to buy their meals.

Detectives are examining surveillance tapes and tracing transport records to establish their movements, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Worries in Marawi City Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with extremist groups in 2017, residents are worried that renewed terrorist labels could lead to tighter restrictions and increase prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must determine what transpired.

Manlupig praised community efforts in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism magically vanished”. He said the country must confront root causes and governance challenges that fuel the motivations behind the violence while “keep advocating for understanding and steer clear of bias and sectarianism”.