🔗 Share this article Worrying Recollections Return in Davao City as Investigators Trace Bondi Attack Suspects’ Movements This was the most terrifying time of his existence. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS attack claimed 15 lives, including his wife's brother. A prolonged siege between the military and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi followed. “It will not occur again in Davao,” Pendon states. Nine years later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the nation's major cities, amid worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram. Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, saw news of Bondi on the television, but similar to other residents interviewed, felt mostly removed. Even the 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 victims sits in a section of the night market, looking out of place amidst the celebratory atmosphere as hundreds came there for food, massages and souvenirs. Active Inquiries Amid Holiday Celebrations Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the father and son coincides with the predominantly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs. “I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the probe into their actions is continuing and the true reason for their trip is still unclear. “It is just regrettable that legitimate grievances are hijacked by terrorism. Sadly, the reputation of savage attacks was wrongly attached to the island's image,” noted Karlos Manlupig, head of advocacy group Balay Mindanao. Faith in Security Record Lorenzo is furthermore confident that nobody could execute another act of terror in the city for a long time administered by the family of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and infamous – was built on aggressively securitising Davao through strict anti-crime and anti-drug policies. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand checking bags. The national government has rejected suggestions that it was a terrorist training ground for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and marginalization that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are limited in size and degraded. Authorities Piece Together Activities What is clear, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor obtained weapons training in the country, as was earlier claimed. Law enforcement have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's stay in the country as they map out the movements of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City. Police say there are numerous establishments the two could have visited or had meetings in the area. Many of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a local popular fast food chain, where they were understood to buy their meals. Officers are analyzing CCTV footage and tracing transport records to piece together their movements, and that every scenario are being explored. Concerns in Marawi City Over Bias In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, residents are concerned that renewed accusations of extremism could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen discrimination against Muslims. Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must determine what happened. “[The Akrams’] stay should be thoroughly examined and the intelligence should provide transparent and factual answers without converting questions into finger-pointing against the region or its people,” Abdullah said. Manlupig lauded community efforts in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “it is not true that terrorism magically vanished”. He said the country must tackle root causes and political factors that drive the impulses behind the unrest while “keep advocating for acceptance and prevent prejudice and division”.