Disturbing Memories Return in Davao City as Authorities Trace Bondi Beach Attack Suspects’ Time in the City

That was the most frightening moment of his life. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS attack left 15 dead, including his brother-in-law. A prolonged battle between the army and the jihadist group in Marawi came after.

Nearly a decade later, the shadow of IS reappears over one of the nation's key cities, amidst international scrutiny over the 28-day 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, learned of Bondi on the television, but as with other citizens surveyed, felt largely removed.

Even the 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 victims sits in a part of the night market, looking incongruous against the celebratory atmosphere as many people flocked there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Active Investigations Amid Festive Cheer

Investigations into the visit to the country of the pair comes as the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have made clear the probe into their whereabouts is active and the precise reason for their visit is as yet uncertain.

Faith in Security Record

Lorenzo is additionally assured that nobody could perpetrate another terrorist strike in the city long administered by the clan of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and notorious – was built on heavily policing Davao through tough law and order and anti-drug campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand inspecting bags.

The Philippine government has rejected suggestions that it was a terrorist training ground for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of instability and marginalization that has seen some Islamic independence movements forge ties with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups persist, security officials say they are small and weakened.

Police Reconstruct Activities

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

Law enforcement 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.

Authorities say there are many locations the two could have gone to or had meetings in the neighborhood. Scores of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a close by Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their food.

Police are examining CCTV footage and following transport records to piece together their movements, and that every scenario are being considered.

Concerns in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with extremist groups in 2017, inhabitants are anxious that fresh associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must determine what took place.

Manlupig commended community efforts in strengthening the peace and order in Davao City but he said “it is not true that radicalism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront economic and social issues and governance challenges that drive the impulses behind the unrest while “continue pushing for understanding and avoid bias and division”.