Worrying Memories Resurface in Davao City as Investigators Piece Together Bondi Shooting Alleged Attackers' Activities

That was the most frightening experience of his existence. In 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State attack killed 15, among them his wife's brother. A lengthy conflict between the military and the militant group in the city of Marawi followed.

Years later, the shadow of IS reappears over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, amid global attention over the month-long stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, heard about Bondi on the media, but like other locals interviewed, felt largely removed.

Even the 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 fatalities stands in a part of the night market, looking out of place amidst the joyful environment as many people gathered there for food, massages and goods.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Holiday Preparations

Examinations of the time in the Philippines of the duo comes as the mostly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, malls are packed, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“I was surprised 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. The government have made clear the inquiry into their activities is continuing and the true reason for their trip is remains unknown.

Confidence in Policing Record

Lorenzo is additionally confident that nobody could perpetrate another terrorist strike in the city historically governed by the political machine of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and controversial – was established by aggressively securitising Davao through strict law and order and drug war initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has rejected allegations that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of conflict and marginalization that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are limited in size and diminished.

Police Reconstruct Movements

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

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

Police say there are numerous locations the two could have visited or connected with associates in the area. Scores of outlets sit between the GV Hotel and a close by Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Detectives are examining CCTV footage and following transport records to establish their movements, and that every scenario are being explored.

Concerns in the Region Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with extremist groups in 2017, residents are anxious that fresh associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and increase prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must establish what took place.

Manlupig praised civic actions in improving the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront economic and social issues and governance challenges that drive the motivations behind the violence while “persist in promoting understanding and avoid discrimination and division”.