Worrying Remembrances Resurface in Davao as Officials Piece Together Bondi Beach Attack Alleged Attackers' Time in the City

That was the most frightening experience of his life. In 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State assault killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A five-month siege between the military and the militant group in the city of Marawi followed.

Nine years later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the country's key cities, amid worldwide focus over the 28-day 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, learned of the attack on the television, but like other citizens interviewed, felt largely detached.

The 2016 bombing is a bad memory he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 deaths stands in a part of the night market, appearing mismatched amid the joyful environment as many people flocked there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Active Investigations Amid Festive Cheer

Probes regarding the time in the Philippines of the pair is happening while the mostly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

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

Confidence in Safety History

Lorenzo is additionally confident that nobody could perpetrate another terror attack in the city long ruled by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both renowned and controversial – was forged through heavily policing Davao through strict law and order and drug war campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand checking bags.

The authorities has pushed back against allegations that it was a terrorist training ground for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of instability and marginalization that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups persist, security officials say they are limited in size and diminished.

Authorities Reconstruct Movements

What is certain, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor obtained combat training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

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

Authorities say there are several places the two could have frequented or met contacts in the area. Dozens of establishments sit between the hotel where they stayed and a nearby Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their food.

Detectives are reviewing security camera video and tracking cab rides to reconstruct their itinerary, and that all possibilities are being entertained.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with extremist groups in 2017, residents are anxious that fresh associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and increase prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must find out what happened.

Manlupig praised local initiatives in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and governance challenges that motivate the reasons behind the unrest while “continue pushing for acceptance and avoid prejudice and division”.