Troubling Remembrances Reemerge in Davao as Investigators Trace Bondi Beach Attack Suspects’ Time in the City

It was the most terrifying experience of his existence. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The ISIS attack killed 15, including his wife's brother. A five-month conflict between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi City came after.

Nine years later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the country's largest cities, during global attention over the month-long stay in the city of the suspected Bondi suspects, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, saw news of Bondi on the media, but similar to other residents spoken to, felt mostly disconnected.

Even the 2016 blast is a painful recollection he is working to forget. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims stands in a part of the night market, appearing out of place amidst the joyful atmosphere as hundreds came there for food, massages and goods.

Active Probes Amid Christmas Cheer

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the pair coincides with the overwhelmingly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a towering Christmas tree, malls are packed, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have stated the inquiry into their whereabouts is continuing and the true reason for their trip is as yet unclear.

Confidence in Security Legacy

Lorenzo is also assured that nobody could perpetrate another act of terror in the city long administered by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and infamous – was built on tightly securing Davao through tough law and order and drug war campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has rejected suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and marginalization that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups persist, authorities say they are small and diminished.

Investigators Reconstruct Whereabouts

What is clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor underwent combat training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Law enforcement have said they are “not taking lightly” the duo's visit in the country as they piece together the actions of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are many establishments the two could have gone to or met contacts in the neighborhood. Scores of outlets sit between the GV Hotel and a close by Jollibee, where they were known to buy their food.

Detectives are analyzing security camera video and tracking taxi trips to establish their whereabouts, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Concerns in the Region Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are worried that fresh accusations of extremism could lead to heightened securitisation and deepen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must establish what happened.

Manlupig commended community efforts in strengthening the peace and order in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that motivate the motivations behind the violence while “continue pushing for acceptance and steer clear of discrimination and sectarianism”.