Troubling Recollections Reemerge in Davao City as Officials Track Bondi Attack Alleged Attackers' Movements

That was the scariest experience of his existence. In the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS strike killed 15, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged siege between the armed forces and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi followed.

Years later, the shadow of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ major cities, during worldwide focus over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi suspects, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a massage technician at the night market, saw news of the Bondi incident on the media, but like other residents spoken to, felt mostly removed.

The 2016 blast is a bad memory he is trying to move on from. A remembrance marker for the 2016 fatalities stands in a part of the night market, appearing incongruous amid the festive mood as crowds gathered there for food, massages and trinkets.

Ongoing Probes Amid Holiday Cheer

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the father and son comes as the mostly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been lit up by a tall 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 sightseeing, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the investigation into their activities is continuing and the precise reason for their stay is remains unknown.

Trust in Safety History

Lorenzo is additionally confident that nobody could carry out another act of terror in the city long administered by the family of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and controversial – was established by tightly securing Davao through hardline law and order and drug war policies. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand searching bags.

The national government has denied claims that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, experts say they are limited in size and degraded.

Investigators Reconstruct Whereabouts

What is certain, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor received combat training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the duo's visit in the country as they piece together the activities of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are numerous places the two could have frequented or had meetings in the vicinity. Scores of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a close by restaurant, where they were known to buy their food.

Detectives are analyzing surveillance tapes and following taxi trips to establish their whereabouts, and that any potential lead are being entertained.

Worries in the Region Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, residents are worried that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must establish what transpired.

Manlupig commended local initiatives in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that extremism was eradicated”. He said the country must address socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that motivate the motivations behind the conflict while “persist in promoting understanding and avoid prejudice and division”.