Troubling Memories Reemerge in Davao City as Investigators Trace Bondi Beach Attack Suspects’ Movements

This was the scariest experience of his existence. In 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS strike left 15 dead, including his brother-in-law. A lengthy siege between the armed forces and the militant group in the city of Marawi followed.

Years later, the shadow of IS once more hangs over one of the nation's largest cities, amidst international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi suspects, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, saw news of Bondi on the news, but like other residents interviewed, felt predominantly removed.

Even the 2016 bombing is a traumatic event he is working to forget. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims sits in a section of the night market, looking out of place against the joyful atmosphere as crowds flocked there for meals, massages and goods.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Festive Celebrations

Investigations into the time in the Philippines of the duo comes as the predominantly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the inquiry into their activities is continuing and the true reason for their stay is remains unknown.

Trust in Security History

Lorenzo is furthermore assured that no one could carry out another terrorist strike in the city for a long time ruled by the clan of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and notorious – was built on aggressively securitising Davao through strict law and order and anti-drug campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four officers stand checking bags.

The national government has rejected allegations that it was a terrorist training ground for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups persist, experts say they are limited in size and weakened.

Investigators Trace Whereabouts

What is certain, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor obtained combat training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

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

Investigators say there are numerous establishments the two could have gone to or had meetings in the neighborhood. Many of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a close by popular fast food chain, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Police are analyzing CCTV footage and tracking transport records to reconstruct their itinerary, and that all possibilities are being considered.

Worries in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are concerned that fresh associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and increase prejudice against Muslims.

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

Manlupig commended local initiatives in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and political factors that motivate the impulses behind the conflict while “continue pushing for acceptance and steer clear of bias and polarization”.