Disturbing Recollections Resurface in Davao City as Authorities Piece Together Bondi Beach Attack Alleged Attackers' Movements

This was the most frightening moment of his existence. In 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The ISIS strike killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A prolonged conflict between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi came after.

Years later, the shadow of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ key cities, amid worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who works as a massage therapist at the night market, heard about the attack on the media, but similar to other locals interviewed, felt mostly removed.

Even the 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is working to forget. A monument for the 2016 victims sits in a corner of the night market, appearing mismatched against the celebratory mood as crowds gathered there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Current Investigations Amid Festive Preparations

Investigations into the Philippines activities of the pair comes as the mostly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have emphasized the inquiry into their actions is ongoing and the precise reason for their visit is as yet unknown.

Trust in Security History

Lorenzo is furthermore certain that nobody could execute another act of terror in the city for a long time administered by the clan of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both notable and infamous – was built on heavily policing Davao through hardline anti-crime and anti-drug campaigns. 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 marginalisation that has seen some Muslim separatist groups form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups persist, experts say they are limited in size and degraded.

Authorities Piece Together Activities

What is evident, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor underwent weapons training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Police have said they are “not taking lightly” the pair’s stay in the country as they map out the activities of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are many places the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Dozens of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a local popular fast food chain, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Police are examining CCTV footage and tracking taxi trips to piece together their itinerary, and that every scenario are being entertained.

Concerns in Marawi Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, residents are concerned that fresh associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and worsen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must find out what took place.

Manlupig commended civic actions in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that radicalism simply disappeared”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and political factors that fuel the motivations behind the violence while “persist in promoting tolerance and avoid bias and polarization”.