🔗 Share this article Disturbing Remembrances Reemerge in Davao as Investigators Track Bondi Attack Alleged Attackers' Activities This was the most frightening moment of his life. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The ISIS attack left 15 dead, including his wife's brother. A lengthy conflict between the army and the jihadist group in Marawi City followed. “It will not happen again in Davao,” Pendon asserts. Nearly a decade later, the shadow of IS once more hangs over one of the nation's largest cities, amidst worldwide focus over the four-week stay in the city of the accused Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram. Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, saw news of Bondi on the news, but as with other residents interviewed, felt mostly removed. Even the 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A monument for the 2016 deaths is placed in a section of the night market, looking mismatched amidst the celebratory environment as many people flocked there for food, massages and goods. Active Probes Amid Holiday Cheer Investigations into the visit to the country of the duo comes as the predominantly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a tall Christmas tree, malls are packed, 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 stated the inquiry into their activities is ongoing and the true reason for their visit is as yet unclear. “It is just unfortunate that valid issues are co-opted by radicalism. Sadly, the narrative of extreme conflict was incorrectly tied to Mindanao’s image,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao. Faith in Security Record Lorenzo is also certain that no one could perpetrate another terrorist strike in the city historically governed by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and controversial – was built on tightly securing Davao through hardline anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand searching bags. The authorities has denied suggestions that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of conflict and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups persist, authorities say they are limited in size and diminished. Investigators Reconstruct Activities What is evident, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor received weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested. Investigators have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's stay in the country as they map out the activities of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City. Investigators say there are several places the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the vicinity. Dozens of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a nearby Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their food. Police are analyzing CCTV footage and tracking cab rides to piece together their whereabouts, and that all possibilities are being entertained. Worries in Marawi City Over Bias In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are worried that fresh associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and deepen bias against Muslims. Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must find out what took place. “[The Akrams’] visit should be properly investigated and the intel should provide accurate and honest answers without converting questions into accusations against Mindanao or its people,” Abdullah said. Manlupig commended local initiatives in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism magically vanished”. He said the country must address socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that motivate the reasons behind the unrest while “persist in promoting acceptance and steer clear of prejudice and division”.