🔗 Share this article

It was the most frightening experience of his existence. Back in September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS assault killed 15, among them his wife's brother. A prolonged conflict between the military and the militant group in Marawi followed.

“It cannot occur again in Davao,” Pendon asserts.

Nine years later, the shadow of IS reappears over one of the country's key cities, during worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the alleged Bondi attackers, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, learned of the attack on the media, but as with other locals interviewed, felt largely disconnected.

The 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a section of the night market, looking out of place amidst the festive atmosphere as crowds flocked there for food, massages and goods.

Ongoing Probes Amid Christmas Cheer

Examinations of the visit to the country of the father and son coincides with the predominantly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have made clear the investigation into their whereabouts is active and the exact reason for their trip is still uncertain.

“It is simply regrettable that real concerns are co-opted by terrorism. Unfortunately, the narrative of savage attacks was unfairly glued to the island's image,” said Karlos Manlupig, head of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Safety Record

Lorenzo is furthermore confident that no one could carry out another act of terror in the city long ruled by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both famous and notorious – was built on tightly securing Davao through tough anti-crime and anti-drug initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand inspecting bags.

The national government has pushed back against suggestions that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are small and degraded.

Police Piece Together Whereabouts

What is evident, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two never left the city nor underwent military-style training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Investigators have said they are “not taking lightly” the father and son's presence in the country as they reconstruct the actions of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are many places the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Scores of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a close by restaurant, where they were known to buy their food.

Police are analyzing security camera video and tracking taxi trips to reconstruct their movements, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Worries in the Region Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are anxious that new terrorist labels could lead to tighter restrictions and increase bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must find out what happened.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be properly investigated and the information should provide clear and truthful answers without converting questions into accusations against the region or its people,” he said.

Manlupig praised community efforts in improving the security situation in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism simply disappeared”. He said the country must address root causes and governance challenges that drive the reasons behind the unrest while “persist in promoting acceptance and avoid bias and division”.