Disturbing Memories Return in Davao City as Investigators Trace Bondi Beach Shooting Suspects’ Time in the City

This was the most frightening moment of his existence. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The Islamic State attack claimed 15 lives, including his wife's brother. A prolonged conflict between the military and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi ensued.

Nearly a decade later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ major cities, amidst global attention over the month-long stay in the city of the alleged Bondi suspects, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who works as a massage therapist at the night market, saw news of Bondi on the television, but like other citizens interviewed, felt predominantly detached.

The 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is working to forget. A monument for the 2016 fatalities sits in a section of the night market, seeming out of place amid the celebratory mood as hundreds gathered there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Current Inquiries Amid Holiday Preparations

Examinations of the time in the Philippines of the father and son coincides with the predominantly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have emphasized the investigation into their whereabouts is continuing and the exact reason for their stay is as yet uncertain.

Confidence in Security History

Lorenzo is additionally confident that no one could carry out another terror attack in the city long governed by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and infamous – was forged through tightly securing Davao through hardline anti-crime and drug war policies. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has denied allegations that it was a terrorist training ground for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, experts say they are small and diminished.

Authorities Piece Together Movements

What is evident, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor received combat training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Police have said they are “not taking lightly” the pair’s visit in the country as they map out the actions of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Police say there are several places the two could have gone to or met contacts in the neighborhood. Many of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a local popular fast food chain, where they were reported to buy their food.

Police are analyzing surveillance tapes and tracing cab rides to establish their itinerary, and that every scenario are being considered.

Concerns in the Region Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with extremist groups in 2017, locals are worried that fresh terrorist labels could lead to increased security measures and worsen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must determine what transpired.

Manlupig commended civic actions in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that extremism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and political factors that motivate the reasons behind the unrest while “persist in promoting understanding and avoid discrimination and polarization”.