Disturbing Memories Resurface in Davao as Officials Piece Together Bondi Beach Attack Suspects’ Movements

That was the most frightening moment of his existence. Back in September 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a detonation at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State strike killed 15, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged conflict between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi ensued.

Nine years later, the specter of IS once more hangs over one of the nation's key cities, amidst international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, saw news of the Bondi incident on the media, but like other citizens spoken to, felt predominantly removed.

The 2016 bombing is a traumatic event he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 victims is placed in a part of the night market, looking mismatched against the joyful environment as many people flocked there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Ongoing Probes Amid Holiday Celebrations

Examinations of the time in the Philippines of the father and son comes as the overwhelmingly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a tall 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 travel, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have stated the inquiry into their activities is continuing and the precise reason for their visit is as yet unclear.

Faith in Security History

Lorenzo is additionally confident that no one could carry out another terrorist strike in the city long governed by the political machine of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both famous and notorious – was built on heavily policing Davao through tough anti-crime and anti-drug initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand checking bags.

The national government has rejected claims that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups persist, security officials say they are limited in size and weakened.

Investigators Trace Movements

What is evident, 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 previously alleged.

Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the father and son's presence in the country as they piece together the actions of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are several establishments the two could have frequented or had meetings in the vicinity. Dozens of establishments sit between the hotel where they stayed and a close by Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their food.

Police are reviewing CCTV footage and following cab rides to establish their movements, and that all possibilities are being considered.

Concerns in Marawi Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with extremist groups in 2017, residents are worried that new associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation 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 commended community efforts in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “it is not true that extremism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront root causes and political factors that drive the impulses behind the unrest while “continue pushing for understanding and prevent discrimination and division”.