Disturbing Memories Return in Davao City as Officials Track Bondi Shooting Alleged Attackers' Time in the City

That was the most frightening moment of his life. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS strike killed 15, including his wife's brother. A prolonged siege between the armed forces and the extremist group in the city of Marawi came after.

Nine years later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ major cities, during global attention over the month-long stay in the city of the alleged Bondi beach shooters, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, saw news of Bondi on the news, but similar to other citizens spoken to, felt largely detached.

Even the 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A monument for the 2016 fatalities stands in a part of the night market, appearing out of place amid the joyful mood as crowds came there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Active Probes Amid Holiday Celebrations

Investigations into the Philippines activities of the pair coincides with the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are busy, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the inquiry into their actions is continuing and the precise reason for their stay is remains unclear.

Trust in Security History

Lorenzo is also certain that nobody could carry out another act of terror in the city for a long time governed by the political machine of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both famous and infamous – was forged through heavily policing Davao through tough law and order and anti-drug initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand searching bags.

The authorities has pushed back against allegations that it was a base for militant training for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of conflict and marginalization that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups persist, authorities say they are small and weakened.

Authorities Piece Together Whereabouts

What is evident, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor obtained weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested.

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

Investigators say there are several places the two could have frequented or had meetings in the vicinity. Dozens of establishments sit between the hotel where they stayed and a local Jollibee, where they were known to buy their food.

Officers are examining CCTV footage and tracing transport records to reconstruct their whereabouts, and that all possibilities are being entertained.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, residents are concerned that new associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

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

Manlupig lauded civic actions in strengthening the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism was eradicated”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and governance challenges that motivate the reasons behind the unrest while “continue pushing for tolerance and prevent discrimination and polarization”.