Worrying Remembrances Return in Davao City as Officials Piece Together Bondi Beach Shooting Suspects’ Activities

It was the scariest time of his existence. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a detonation at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The Islamic State attack claimed 15 lives, including his wife's brother. A prolonged siege between the military and the extremist group in Marawi City ensued.

Nine years later, the shadow of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ major cities, amidst global attention over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi suspects, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

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

Even the 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 deaths stands in a section of the night market, looking mismatched amid the celebratory atmosphere as hundreds gathered there for food, massages and goods.

Active Probes Amid Festive Celebrations

Investigations into the visit to the country of the father and son comes as the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a tall Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Officials have stated the investigation into their whereabouts is continuing and the exact reason for their visit is as yet uncertain.

Faith in Policing Record

Lorenzo is furthermore certain that nobody could perpetrate another terror attack in the city historically ruled by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both renowned and controversial – was forged through tightly securing Davao through strict anti-crime and drug war policies. At an entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand searching bags.

The national government has denied claims that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of conflict and marginalization that has seen some Muslim separatist groups establish links with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are small and weakened.

Investigators Trace Activities

What is clear, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two never left the city nor received weapons training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

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 pair 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 area. Scores of establishments sit between the hotel where they stayed and a close by restaurant, where they were reported to buy their food.

Police are reviewing surveillance tapes and tracing taxi trips to piece together their itinerary, and that every scenario are being entertained.

Fears in the Region Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with IS-linked militants in 2017, residents are concerned that new terrorist labels could lead to tighter restrictions and deepen bias against Muslims.

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

Manlupig commended civic actions in improving the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that terrorism magically vanished”. He said the country must tackle socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that drive the motivations behind the unrest while “persist in promoting acceptance and prevent discrimination and polarization”.