Worrying Remembrances Reemerge in Davao City as Investigators Piece Together Bondi Shooting Alleged Attackers' Time in the City

This was the most terrifying moment of his existence. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS strike claimed 15 lives, including his wife's brother. A lengthy battle between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi City came after.

Nine years later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, amid international scrutiny over the month-long stay in the city of the suspected Bondi suspects, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, heard about Bondi on the news, but like other locals spoken to, felt largely detached.

The 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 victims stands in a section of the night market, looking mismatched against the festive environment as hundreds flocked there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Active Probes Amid Holiday Preparations

Investigations into the time in the Philippines of the duo comes as the mostly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have stated the inquiry into their whereabouts is continuing and the precise reason for their visit is still unknown.

Faith in Security Record

Lorenzo is additionally assured that nobody could carry out another terrorist strike in the city historically administered by the political machine of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both renowned and notorious – was established by heavily policing Davao through tough anti-crime and drug war policies. At an entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has pushed back against suggestions that it was a base for militant training for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of instability and disenfranchisement that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are small and weakened.

Investigators Piece Together Activities

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

Investigators have said they are “not taking lightly” the pair’s visit in the country as they reconstruct the actions of the father and son during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are several places the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Dozens of outlets sit between the GV Hotel and a local Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Officers are reviewing security camera video and following transport records to piece together their itinerary, and that every scenario are being entertained.

Concerns in Marawi Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are concerned that new accusations of extremism could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must establish what transpired.

Manlupig praised local initiatives in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “it is not true that radicalism simply disappeared”. He said the country must address root causes and governance challenges that fuel the impulses behind the violence while “persist in promoting acceptance and prevent discrimination and division”.