Worrying Memories Resurface in Davao as Authorities Track Bondi Attack Alleged Attackers' Time in the City

It was the most terrifying experience of his existence. In 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS attack left 15 dead, among them his brother-in-law. A five-month conflict between the armed forces and the militant group in the city of Marawi came after.

Nearly a decade later, the shadow of IS reappears over one of the country's major cities, during global attention over the four-week stay in the city of the accused Bondi suspects, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a masseur at the night market, learned of the attack on the television, but like other citizens surveyed, felt predominantly removed.

Even the 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 victims sits in a section of the night market, seeming out of place against the joyful atmosphere as hundreds flocked there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Active Probes Amid Festive Preparations

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the father and son coincides with the predominantly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have made clear the inquiry into their whereabouts is ongoing and the precise reason for their visit is still uncertain.

Trust in Security History

Lorenzo is also confident that no one could execute another terror attack in the city long governed by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and controversial – was forged through heavily policing Davao through strict law and order and anti-drug campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four officers stand checking bags.

The national government has pushed back against claims that it was a terrorist training ground for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups still exist, experts say they are limited in size and weakened.

Authorities Piece Together Movements

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

Police have said they are “taking seriously” the father and son's presence in the country as they map out the movements of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are numerous locations the two could have gone to or connected with associates in the area. Dozens of establishments sit between the hotel where they stayed and a local Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their food.

Detectives are reviewing security camera video and following taxi trips to piece together their itinerary, and that any potential lead are being explored.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are worried that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and deepen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must find out what took place.

Manlupig praised community efforts in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that drive the impulses behind the conflict while “continue pushing for acceptance and avoid prejudice and division”.