Disturbing Remembrances Reemerge in Davao City as Officials Trace Bondi Shooting Alleged Attackers' Movements

That was the most terrifying moment of his existence. In 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS assault left 15 dead, among them his brother-in-law. A five-month siege between the army and the militant group in the city of Marawi came after.

Nearly a decade later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ key cities, amidst worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who works as a massage technician at the night market, heard about Bondi on the television, but like other citizens spoken to, felt mostly 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 section of the night market, appearing incongruous against the joyful mood as hundreds came there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Christmas Celebrations

Examinations of the visit to the country of the duo coincides with the mostly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a tall 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 travel, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have stated the investigation into their actions is ongoing and the precise reason for their stay is as yet unknown.

Confidence in Policing Legacy

Lorenzo is also certain that nobody could perpetrate another act of terror in the city for a long time ruled by the political machine of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both famous and controversial – was built on aggressively securitising Davao through hardline law and order and drug war campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand searching bags.

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

Police Trace Whereabouts

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

Investigators have said they are “not taking lightly” the father and son's visit in the country as they map out the activities of the father and son during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are several places the two could have visited or met contacts in the area. Many of businesses sit between the hotel where they stayed and a nearby popular fast food chain, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage and following transport records to reconstruct their itinerary, and that all possibilities are being entertained.

Worries in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, residents are concerned that new accusations of extremism could lead to increased security measures and deepen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must find out what transpired.

Manlupig praised community efforts in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “it is not true that radicalism magically vanished”. He said the country must tackle economic and social issues and governance challenges that fuel the reasons behind the unrest while “persist in promoting tolerance and steer clear of bias and division”.