Troubling Memories Reemerge in Davao as Investigators Trace Bondi Shooting Suspects’ Time in the City

It was the scariest experience of his existence. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a detonation at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The Islamic State attack left 15 dead, among them his brother-in-law. A five-month siege between the armed forces and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi came after.

Nearly a decade later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ key cities, during international scrutiny over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi beach shooters, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who works as a massage technician at the night market, heard about Bondi on the media, but like other citizens surveyed, felt predominantly removed.

Even the 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 deaths is placed in a corner of the night market, seeming out of place amidst the celebratory mood as crowds flocked there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Active Inquiries Amid Christmas Preparations

Probes regarding the time in the Philippines of the father and son comes as the predominantly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been lit up by a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, 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 violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have made clear the probe into their actions is ongoing and the exact reason for their visit is still unknown.

Faith in Security Record

Lorenzo is additionally confident that no one could perpetrate another terrorist strike in the city historically governed by the political machine of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and notorious – was built on 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 claims that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of instability and disenfranchisement that has seen some Muslim separatist groups forge ties with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are small and weakened.

Authorities Reconstruct Whereabouts

What is certain, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor received military-style training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the duo's presence in the country as they reconstruct the actions of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Police say there are several places the two could have visited or connected with associates in the vicinity. Dozens of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a local popular fast food chain, where they were known to buy their food.

Officers are analyzing security camera video and tracing cab rides to establish their movements, and that every scenario are being explored.

Fears in Marawi City Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with extremist groups in 2017, locals are anxious that new terrorist labels could lead to tighter restrictions and increase bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must determine what took place.

Manlupig praised community efforts in improving the security situation in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism simply disappeared”. He said the country must tackle socioeconomic factors and political factors that fuel the impulses behind the violence while “keep advocating for tolerance and prevent bias and division”.