🔗 Share this article Worrying Remembrances Resurface in Davao City as Officials Track Bondi Attack Suspects’ Movements This was the most terrifying time of his life. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The IS assault left 15 dead, among them his wife's brother. A five-month battle between the army and the extremist group in Marawi City followed. “It cannot happen again in Davao,” Pendon asserts. Nine years later, the specter of IS once more hangs over one of the country's largest cities, amid global attention over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi suspects, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed. Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, saw news of the Bondi incident on the television, but as with other locals spoken to, felt largely detached. The 2016 bombing is a bad memory he is working to forget. A monument for the 2016 deaths sits in a corner of the night market, appearing incongruous against the joyful mood as hundreds gathered there for food, massages and goods. Current Probes Amid Holiday Celebrations Examinations of the visit to the country of the pair coincides with the predominantly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children go door-to-door to sing carols. “It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the investigation into their activities is continuing and the true reason for their stay is as yet unclear. “It is just a shame that legitimate grievances are exploited by radicalism. Sadly, the narrative of extreme conflict was unfairly glued to the region's character,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao. Faith in Safety Record Lorenzo is also assured that no one could perpetrate another terrorist strike in the city historically administered by the political machine of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both renowned and infamous – was built on aggressively securitising Davao through strict law and order and drug war initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand searching 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 conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some Muslim separatist groups forge ties with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups persist, experts say they are small and diminished. Investigators Reconstruct Movements What is certain, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor obtained combat training in the country, as was previously alleged. Investigators have said they are “treating with gravity” the father and son's presence in the country as they reconstruct the movements of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City. Authorities say there are several establishments the two could have frequented or met contacts in the vicinity. Many of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a nearby Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their food. Officers are analyzing CCTV footage and following taxi trips to establish their itinerary, and that any potential lead are being considered. Fears in the Region Over Labels In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are concerned that fresh terrorist labels could lead to increased security measures and increase bias against Muslims. Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must determine what transpired. “[The Akrams’] time here should be carefully probed and the information should provide accurate and honest answers without transforming doubt into finger-pointing against its people or its people,” Abdullah said. Manlupig praised civic actions in improving the peace and order in Davao City but he said “it is not true that radicalism magically vanished”. He said the country must tackle socioeconomic factors and political factors that drive the motivations behind the conflict while “continue pushing for acceptance and prevent bias and division”.