Worrying Memories Return in Davao City as Investigators Piece Together Bondi Shooting Alleged Attackers' Movements

This was the most frightening moment of his existence. In 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The ISIS strike claimed 15 lives, including his wife's brother. A prolonged siege between the army and the extremist group in Marawi followed.

Years later, the threat of IS again looms over one of the nation's key cities, amid global attention over the month-long stay in the city of the alleged Bondi beach shooters, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a masseur at the night market, heard about the Bondi incident on the media, but as with other locals spoken to, felt predominantly disconnected.

The 2016 bombing is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A memorial for the 2016 deaths is placed in a part of the night market, seeming out of place amid the joyful mood as many people flocked there for meals, massages and goods.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Christmas Cheer

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the duo coincides with the predominantly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been decorated with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have made clear the investigation into their activities is ongoing and the precise reason for their visit is remains unknown.

Trust in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is additionally assured that nobody could perpetrate another act of terror in the city historically administered by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both famous and controversial – was forged through heavily policing Davao through strict anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand checking bags.

The authorities has pushed back against claims that it was a hub for extremists for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of unrest and marginalization that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups persist, authorities say they are small and degraded.

Investigators Piece Together Whereabouts

What is clear, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor received combat training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Law enforcement have said they are “taking seriously” the father and son's visit in the country as they reconstruct the activities of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are many places the two could have visited or had meetings in the area. Many of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a local restaurant, where they were known to buy their food.

Detectives are examining security camera video and following cab rides to reconstruct their whereabouts, and that any potential lead are being explored.

Worries in Marawi Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with extremist groups in 2017, locals are anxious that new accusations of extremism could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must determine what took place.

Manlupig commended community efforts in strengthening the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism magically vanished”. He said the country must confront economic and social issues and governance challenges that drive the impulses behind the unrest while “continue pushing for tolerance and avoid prejudice and division”.