Troubling Remembrances Return in Davao as Officials Trace Bondi Attack Alleged Attackers' Movements

That was the scariest moment of his life. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a detonation at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The IS attack killed 15, including his wife's brother. A lengthy battle between the armed forces and the jihadist group in Marawi ensued.

Years later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, during worldwide focus over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi suspects, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who works as a massage technician at the night market, saw news of the attack on the television, but like other locals spoken to, felt largely disconnected.

Even the 2016 bombing is a traumatic event he is working to forget. A monument for the 2016 victims stands in a section of the night market, seeming out of place against the joyful atmosphere as crowds gathered there for food, massages and trinkets.

Active Investigations Amid Festive Cheer

Examinations of the visit to the country of the pair coincides with the predominantly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a tall Christmas tree, malls are packed, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have stated the inquiry into their actions is active and the precise reason for their stay is still unknown.

Trust in Security Legacy

Lorenzo is also assured that no one could carry out another terror attack in the city for a long time governed by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both renowned and controversial – was built on aggressively securitising Davao through tough anti-crime and drug war policies. At an entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has rejected suggestions that it was a base for militant training 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 overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups persist, authorities say they are small and diminished.

Authorities Piece Together Activities

What is certain, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor underwent weapons training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Law enforcement have said they are “treating with gravity” the father and son's visit in the country as they piece together the activities of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Police say there are numerous places the two could have visited or had meetings in the neighborhood. Scores of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a close by Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Police are reviewing surveillance tapes and following cab rides to establish their whereabouts, and that every scenario are being considered.

Concerns in the Region Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with extremist groups in 2017, locals are concerned that fresh terrorist labels could lead to tighter restrictions and deepen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must find out what transpired.

Manlupig commended civic actions in strengthening the peace and order in Davao City but he said “it is not true that terrorism magically vanished”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and political factors that fuel the reasons behind the unrest while “continue pushing for acceptance and prevent discrimination and polarization”.