Troubling Memories Reemerge in Davao as Authorities Trace Bondi Attack Suspects’ Activities

That was the most frightening experience of his existence. During the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a detonation at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS strike left 15 dead, including his wife's brother. A lengthy conflict between the army and the militant group in Marawi City came after.

Years later, the specter of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ major cities, amid international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who works as a masseur at the night market, saw news of the attack on the media, but similar to other citizens surveyed, felt mostly detached.

Even the 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 victims sits in a corner of the night market, seeming mismatched against the festive atmosphere as many people flocked there for meals, massages and goods.

Active Inquiries Amid Holiday Preparations

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the father and son comes as the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, malls are busy, 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 terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have made clear the inquiry into their activities is active and the true reason for their trip is as yet unclear.

Trust in Safety History

Lorenzo is additionally certain that no one could perpetrate another act of terror in the city for a long time administered by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and notorious – was established by heavily policing Davao through hardline anti-crime and anti-drug policies. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four officers stand checking bags.

The Philippine government has pushed back against suggestions that it was a terrorist training ground for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are small and diminished.

Investigators Piece Together Activities

What is clear, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor underwent military-style training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the father and son's stay in the country as they map out the movements of the father and son during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are many places the two could have visited or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Scores of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a close by restaurant, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Police are reviewing surveillance tapes and following taxi trips to piece together their whereabouts, and that every scenario are being explored.

Worries in the Region Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are worried that new terrorist labels could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen prejudice against Muslims.

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

Manlupig commended community efforts in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that radicalism magically vanished”. He said the country must tackle economic and social issues and governance challenges that fuel the reasons behind the conflict while “continue pushing for tolerance and prevent discrimination and division”.