Troubling Remembrances Reemerge in Davao as Authorities Track Bondi Beach Attack Alleged Attackers' Movements

This was the most terrifying time of his life. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State strike claimed 15 lives, including his brother-in-law. A five-month battle between the military and the militant group in Marawi ensued.

Nine years later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the country's major cities, amidst worldwide focus over the four-week stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who is a a massage technician at the night market, heard about the attack on the news, but similar to other residents interviewed, felt mostly removed.

The 2016 blast is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A monument for the 2016 deaths is placed in a corner of the night market, looking incongruous against the festive atmosphere as hundreds came there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Active Inquiries Amid Holiday Preparations

Examinations of the visit to the country of the duo is happening while the predominantly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, malls are packed, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Officials have stated the probe into their activities is ongoing and the true reason for their trip is as yet unclear.

Trust in Policing Legacy

Lorenzo is furthermore assured that nobody could perpetrate another terror attack in the city long ruled by the political machine of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both notable and notorious – was forged through tightly securing Davao through hardline anti-crime and anti-drug policies. At an entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand searching bags.

The national government has rejected allegations 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 establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are limited in size and weakened.

Investigators Reconstruct Whereabouts

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

Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the duo's presence in the country as they map out the movements of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are several places the two could have gone to or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Dozens of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a local popular fast food chain, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage and following taxi trips to reconstruct their movements, and that every scenario are being considered.

Fears in Marawi Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with extremist groups in 2017, locals are concerned that renewed accusations of extremism could lead to heightened securitisation and increase prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must determine what took place.

Manlupig lauded local initiatives in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and governance challenges that drive the reasons behind the violence while “continue pushing for acceptance and prevent prejudice and polarization”.