Disturbing Remembrances Resurface in Davao as Investigators Track Bondi Beach Shooting Alleged Attackers' Activities

That was the scariest time of his existence. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State attack killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A five-month battle between the armed forces and the extremist group in Marawi came after.

Years later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the nation's major cities, amidst worldwide focus over the four-week stay in the city of the accused Bondi beach shooters, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, learned of the attack on the television, but similar to other citizens interviewed, felt mostly removed.

The 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A monument for the 2016 fatalities stands in a corner of the night market, seeming incongruous amidst the celebratory environment as hundreds flocked there for meals, massages and goods.

Current Investigations Amid Holiday Cheer

Examinations of the time in the Philippines of the duo comes as the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a tall Christmas tree, malls are busy, 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 violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Officials have emphasized the investigation into their actions is active and the true reason for their stay is still unknown.

Trust in Safety Record

Lorenzo is furthermore assured that no one could perpetrate another terror attack in the city long governed by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both notable and notorious – was established by tightly securing Davao through tough law and order and drug war policies. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has denied suggestions that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of instability and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups still exist, security officials say they are limited in size and degraded.

Police Trace Activities

What is certain, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor obtained military-style training in the country, as was previously alleged.

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

Authorities say there are several locations the two could have visited or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Dozens of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a local Jollibee, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Officers are analyzing security camera video and following transport records to establish their movements, and that all possibilities are being entertained.

Concerns in the Region Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with extremist groups in 2017, locals are worried that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and deepen bias against Muslims.

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

Manlupig commended community efforts in improving the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that fuel the impulses behind the conflict while “keep advocating for tolerance and prevent bias and polarization”.