Troubling Memories Return in Davao as Authorities Trace Bondi Beach Shooting Alleged Attackers' Activities

It was the most frightening time of his existence. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS assault claimed 15 lives, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged conflict between the military and the militant group in Marawi City followed.

Nearly a decade later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the nation's key cities, amidst global attention over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, heard about the Bondi incident on the media, but similar to other locals surveyed, felt mostly disconnected.

The 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 victims stands in a corner of the night market, looking incongruous against the joyful mood as many people flocked there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Holiday Cheer

Probes regarding the time in the Philippines of the duo is happening while the mostly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been decorated with a towering Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have made clear the inquiry into their whereabouts is active and the true reason for their trip is remains uncertain.

Trust in Policing Record

Lorenzo is additionally assured that no one could execute another act of terror in the city long administered by the family of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and infamous – was forged through aggressively securitising Davao through strict anti-crime and drug war policies. At an entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand checking bags.

The national government has rejected allegations that it was a base for militant training for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of instability and marginalization that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups persist, experts say they are limited in size and degraded.

Investigators Reconstruct Movements

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

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

Police say there are several locations the two could have frequented or met contacts in the vicinity. Scores of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a close by restaurant, where they were known to buy their food.

Officers are reviewing surveillance tapes and following transport records to reconstruct their whereabouts, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Fears in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with extremist groups in 2017, inhabitants are worried that new terrorist labels could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must find out what took place.

Manlupig commended civic actions in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism magically vanished”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and governance challenges that motivate the motivations behind the unrest while “keep advocating for acceptance and prevent discrimination and polarization”.