Disturbing Remembrances Reemerge in Davao as Investigators Track Bondi Shooting Alleged Attackers' Time in the City

It was the scariest experience of his life. Back in September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS attack claimed 15 lives, including his brother-in-law. A lengthy conflict between the military and the extremist group in Marawi City came after.

Years later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ major cities, amid global attention over the month-long stay in the city of the alleged Bondi suspects, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, learned of the Bondi incident on the media, but as with other residents interviewed, felt mostly detached.

Even the 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A memorial for the 2016 deaths stands in a section of the night market, seeming mismatched amidst the celebratory mood as crowds came there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Holiday Preparations

Investigations into the Philippines activities of the duo is happening while the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have stated the investigation into their activities is continuing and the exact reason for their stay is still unclear.

Faith in Policing History

Lorenzo is also certain that no one could perpetrate another act of terror in the city long ruled by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and infamous – was built on aggressively securitising Davao through tough anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand inspecting bags.

The national government has denied claims that it was a base for militant training for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and disenfranchisement that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are small and degraded.

Police Reconstruct Activities

What is clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor underwent weapons training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Investigators have said they are “treating with gravity” the duo's stay in the country as they piece together the movements of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

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

Police are examining CCTV footage and tracing transport records to establish their itinerary, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Worries in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with extremist groups in 2017, inhabitants are worried that new terrorist labels could lead to increased security measures and deepen bias against Muslims.

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

Manlupig lauded community efforts in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle root causes and governance challenges that fuel the reasons behind the conflict while “continue pushing for tolerance and avoid prejudice and division”.