Troubling Memories Resurface in Davao City as Investigators Piece Together Bondi Shooting Alleged Attackers' Time in the City

That was the scariest experience of his existence. Back in September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS strike claimed 15 lives, including his brother-in-law. A five-month siege between the military and the militant group in Marawi followed.

Nine years later, the shadow of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ major cities, during international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi suspects, 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 as with other locals interviewed, felt mostly detached.

Even the 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is trying to move on from. A monument for the 2016 deaths sits in a corner of the night market, looking mismatched against the celebratory environment as crowds came there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Ongoing Probes Amid Holiday Cheer

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the pair comes as the mostly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have made clear the investigation into their activities is continuing and the true reason for their stay is as yet unclear.

Trust in Safety Record

Lorenzo is also assured that no one could carry out another terror attack in the city historically ruled by the political machine of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and controversial – was forged through heavily policing Davao through tough law and order and anti-drug initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has pushed back against allegations that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are small and degraded.

Police Piece Together Movements

What is certain, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor received weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Investigators have said they are “treating with gravity” the father and son's presence in the country as they map out the movements of the suspects during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are many locations the two could have gone to or had meetings in the vicinity. Scores of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a local popular fast food chain, where they were understood to buy their food.

Police are reviewing surveillance tapes and tracking taxi trips to reconstruct their itinerary, and that every scenario are being considered.

Worries in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with extremist groups in 2017, locals are anxious that new accusations of extremism could lead to heightened securitisation and deepen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must determine what transpired.

Manlupig commended community efforts in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism simply disappeared”. He said the country must address socioeconomic factors and political factors that drive the reasons behind the violence while “persist in promoting understanding and steer clear of bias and polarization”.