Troubling Remembrances Return in Davao City as Officials Piece Together Bondi Beach Shooting Suspects’ Movements

That was the most terrifying time of his existence. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS attack killed 15, among them his wife's brother. A lengthy siege between the army and the militant group in Marawi followed.

Nine years later, the shadow of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, amid global attention over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi beach shooters, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, saw news of Bondi on the news, but like other locals interviewed, felt mostly removed.

The 2016 attack is a bad memory he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities stands in a corner of the night market, seeming out of place amidst the celebratory atmosphere as crowds flocked there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Active Inquiries Amid Holiday Preparations

Investigations into the visit to the country 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 tall Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“I was taken aback 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 emphasized the investigation into their activities is active and the precise reason for their trip is still unclear.

Faith in Security Record

Lorenzo is additionally confident that no one could carry out another terror attack in the city long administered by the clan of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and notorious – was established by heavily policing Davao through hardline law and order and drug war campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four officers stand searching bags.

The national government has pushed back against claims that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and marginalization that has seen some Muslim separatist groups forge ties with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, experts say they are small and weakened.

Authorities Piece Together Whereabouts

What is certain, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, 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 pair’s visit in the country as they reconstruct the actions of the suspects during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are numerous locations the two could have visited or had meetings in the vicinity. Many of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a close by popular fast food chain, where they were reported to buy their food.

Police are reviewing surveillance tapes and following transport records to piece together their itinerary, and that all possibilities are being entertained.

Fears in the Region Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are worried that new accusations of extremism could lead to heightened securitisation and increase prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must find out what happened.

Manlupig praised local initiatives in improving the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and political factors that motivate the impulses behind the conflict while “continue pushing for tolerance and steer clear of discrimination and division”.