🔗 Share this article Troubling Remembrances Return in Davao City as Investigators Track Bondi Beach Attack Alleged Attackers' Movements It was the most terrifying experience of his life. In 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS attack left 15 dead, among them his brother-in-law. A five-month siege between the military and the extremist group in Marawi City came after. “It will not happen again in Davao,” Pendon asserts. Nine years later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the country's key cities, during global attention over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram. Pendon, who makes a living as a masseur at the night market, saw news of the Bondi incident on the news, but like other citizens spoken to, felt largely detached. The 2016 bombing is a bad memory he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims sits in a part of the night market, seeming out of place against the festive mood as many people gathered there for food, massages and souvenirs. Ongoing Probes Amid Christmas Celebrations Investigations into the visit to the country of the father and son is happening while the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been decorated with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs. “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 made clear the investigation into their activities is ongoing and the true reason for their trip is remains unknown. “It is regrettable that valid issues are co-opted by radicalism. Sadly, the narrative of savage attacks was wrongly attached to the island's image,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao. Confidence in Security Legacy Lorenzo is additionally certain that nobody could carry out another terror attack in the city historically governed by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both famous and notorious – was established by aggressively securitising Davao through hardline anti-crime and drug war campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand checking bags. The Philippine government has rejected claims that it was a base for militant training for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of unrest and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are limited in size and weakened. Investigators Piece Together Activities What is evident, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor received weapons training in the country, as was previously alleged. Law enforcement have said they are “taking seriously” the pair’s stay in the country as they piece together the movements of the father and son during their four-week stay in Davao City. Investigators say there are several places the two could have frequented or had meetings in the vicinity. Dozens of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a nearby Jollibee, where they were known to buy their food. Police are examining security camera video and tracing transport records to piece together their movements, and that any potential lead are being entertained. Concerns in Marawi City Over Stigma In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are concerned that fresh associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and deepen discrimination against Muslims. Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must determine what transpired. “[The Akrams’] visit should be thoroughly examined and the intel should provide transparent and factual answers without transforming doubt into blame against the region or its people,” he said. Manlupig commended civic actions in strengthening the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “it is not true that extremism magically vanished”. He said the country must tackle economic and social issues and governance challenges that drive the reasons behind the violence while “persist in promoting tolerance and prevent prejudice and division”.