Disturbing Memories Return in Davao City as Authorities Piece Together Bondi Beach Shooting Alleged Attackers' Activities

This was the scariest experience of his existence. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State strike killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A five-month battle between the military and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi ensued.

Nearly a decade later, the shadow 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 suspects, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, heard about the Bondi incident on the television, but like other residents spoken to, felt mostly disconnected.

The 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 victims stands in a corner of the night market, appearing mismatched against the festive atmosphere as hundreds came there for meals, massages and goods.

Current Inquiries Amid Christmas Cheer

Examinations of the visit to the country of the pair coincides with the mostly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are busy, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have made clear the inquiry into their activities is continuing and the true reason for their stay is remains unclear.

Trust in Safety Record

Lorenzo is additionally assured that no one could carry out another terror attack in the city for a long time administered by the clan of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and controversial – was forged through heavily policing Davao through tough law and order and drug war initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has rejected suggestions that it was a base for militant training for the accused 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, authorities say they are small and degraded.

Police Trace Whereabouts

What is clear, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor obtained weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested.

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

Authorities say there are several locations the two could have gone to or had meetings in the vicinity. Scores of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a local restaurant, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Officers are analyzing CCTV footage and following taxi trips to piece together their whereabouts, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Worries in Marawi Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with extremist groups in 2017, locals are worried that new accusations of extremism could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must establish what took place.

Manlupig praised civic actions in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that extremism simply disappeared”. He said the country must tackle root causes and governance challenges that fuel the motivations behind the violence while “continue pushing for tolerance and steer clear of prejudice and sectarianism”.