🔗 Share this article Troubling Remembrances Resurface in Davao as Authorities Piece Together Bondi Beach Attack Alleged Attackers' Activities That was the scariest experience of his life. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State assault claimed 15 lives, including his wife's brother. A five-month battle between the army and the jihadist group in Marawi followed. “It won’t take place again in Davao,” Pendon says. Nearly a decade later, the shadow of IS reappears over one of the nation's key cities, amidst international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram. Pendon, who is a a massage technician at the night market, heard about the attack on the television, but similar to other locals spoken to, felt mostly detached. The 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a section of the night market, seeming incongruous amidst the festive environment as crowds came there for food, massages and goods. Ongoing Inquiries Amid Festive Celebrations Examinations of the Philippines activities of the father and son coincides with the mostly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children knock on doors to sing carols. “I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Officials have emphasized the probe into their actions is continuing and the true reason for their stay is still unknown. “It is just unfortunate that valid issues are hijacked by extremism. Unfortunately, the story of extreme conflict was unfairly glued to the island's image,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao. Confidence in Policing History Lorenzo is also certain that no one could execute another terrorist strike in the city historically administered by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and notorious – was forged through tightly securing Davao through strict anti-crime and drug war campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four officers stand checking bags. The authorities has pushed back against claims 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 Islamic independence movements form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are small and weakened. Police Trace Movements What is certain, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor received military-style training in the country, as was previously alleged. Police have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's visit in the country as they piece together the actions of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City. Police say there are many establishments the two could have visited or had meetings in the neighborhood. Dozens of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a close by popular fast food chain, where they were reported to buy their food. Officers are examining surveillance tapes and tracing taxi trips to reconstruct their movements, and that every scenario are being considered. Fears in the Region Over Stigma In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are concerned that new associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and deepen bias against Muslims. Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must determine what transpired. “[The Akrams’] visit should be properly investigated and the information should provide accurate and honest answers without turning uncertainty into accusations against its people or its people,” he said. Manlupig commended local initiatives in strengthening the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism simply disappeared”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and governance challenges that motivate the motivations behind the violence while “keep advocating for understanding and prevent prejudice and division”.