Worrying Remembrances Resurface in Davao as Investigators Piece Together Bondi Beach Shooting Alleged Attackers' Activities

It was the scariest moment of his existence. In 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a detonation at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The IS attack claimed 15 lives, including his wife's brother. A five-month siege between the military and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi ensued.

Nine years later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the nation's major cities, amidst international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected 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 Bondi incident on the news, but like other residents interviewed, felt predominantly detached.

Even the 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A remembrance marker for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a corner of the night market, seeming mismatched against the festive environment as hundreds came there for food, massages and trinkets.

Active Probes Amid Christmas Preparations

Investigations into the Philippines activities of the duo is happening while the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have emphasized the probe into their actions is active and the exact reason for their trip is still unclear.

Trust in Policing Record

Lorenzo is also certain that nobody could perpetrate another terrorist strike in the city long ruled by the political machine of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and controversial – was forged through tightly securing Davao through strict law and order and drug war initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand checking bags.

The Philippine government has rejected allegations that it was a base for militant training for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of conflict and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are small and diminished.

Investigators Piece Together Movements

What is clear, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor received weapons training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Investigators have said they are “treating with gravity” the father and son's visit in the country as they reconstruct the actions of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are many locations the two could have visited or met contacts in the vicinity. Scores of outlets sit between the hotel where they stayed and a local restaurant, where they were reported to buy their food.

Officers are examining security camera video and following transport records to piece together their whereabouts, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Worries in the Region Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, residents are anxious that new terrorist labels could lead to tighter restrictions and increase prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must find out what took place.

Manlupig praised local initiatives in improving the peace and order in Davao City but he said “it is not true that radicalism magically vanished”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and political factors that motivate the motivations behind the unrest while “persist in promoting tolerance and steer clear of prejudice and division”.