Worrying Recollections Return in Davao City as Authorities Track Bondi Beach Attack Alleged Attackers' Time in the City

This was the most frightening moment of his existence. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS attack killed 15, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged siege between the army and the extremist group in Marawi City ensued.

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

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, saw news of the attack on the media, but as with other locals surveyed, felt largely detached.

The 2016 bombing is a bad memory he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a corner of the night market, looking mismatched against the joyful environment as many people flocked there for meals, massages and goods.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Christmas Cheer

Investigations into the visit to the country of the father and son coincides with the overwhelmingly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a towering Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have stated the investigation into their activities is active and the true reason for their visit is still unknown.

Confidence in Security Legacy

Lorenzo is furthermore assured that no one could execute another act of terror in the city for a long time governed by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both notable and controversial – was forged through tightly securing Davao through tough law and order and drug war initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand checking bags.

The Philippine government has rejected suggestions that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups persist, authorities say they are limited in size and weakened.

Authorities Trace Movements

What is certain, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor received military-style training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Law enforcement have said they are “not taking lightly” the father and son's visit in the country as they piece together the movements of the suspects during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Police say there are several establishments the two could have visited or met contacts in the area. Many of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a nearby popular fast food chain, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Police are analyzing CCTV footage and tracing taxi trips to piece together their whereabouts, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Concerns in the Region Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are anxious that fresh associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must establish what took place.

Manlupig praised community efforts in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle economic and social issues and political factors that fuel the motivations behind the conflict while “continue pushing for acceptance and avoid discrimination and polarization”.