Troubling Memories Reemerge in Davao City as Officials Piece Together Bondi Shooting Alleged Attackers' Activities

That was the most terrifying experience of his existence. During the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS attack claimed 15 lives, among them his brother-in-law. A lengthy conflict between the armed forces and the militant group in the city of Marawi followed.

Years later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the country's major cities, amid worldwide focus over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, saw news of the Bondi incident on the news, but similar to other citizens surveyed, felt mostly removed.

The 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 deaths sits in a section of the night market, seeming mismatched amidst the celebratory environment as hundreds gathered there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Current Probes Amid Holiday Cheer

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the pair is happening while the mostly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, malls are packed, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have stated the probe into their actions is continuing and the exact reason for their stay is as yet unclear.

Confidence in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is also certain that no one could carry out another terror attack in the city long governed by the political machine of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and notorious – was forged through tightly securing Davao through tough anti-crime and drug war campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has pushed back against claims that it was a terrorist training ground for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of instability and marginalization that has seen some local militant factions establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups persist, security officials say they are small and diminished.

Police Piece Together Whereabouts

What is certain, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two never left the city nor obtained military-style training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Police have said they are “not taking lightly” the father and son's stay in the country as they map out the movements of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are many establishments the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Scores of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a local Jollibee, where they were reported to buy their food.

Officers are reviewing surveillance tapes and tracing transport records to reconstruct their itinerary, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Concerns in the Region Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with extremist groups in 2017, residents are anxious that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and deepen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must determine what transpired.

Manlupig commended civic actions in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that radicalism magically vanished”. He said the country must address socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that drive the reasons behind the unrest while “persist in promoting acceptance and steer clear of prejudice and sectarianism”.