🔗 Share this article Disturbing Remembrances Return in Davao as Authorities Track Bondi Beach Attack Alleged Attackers' Time in the City That was the most terrifying moment of his existence. In the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS attack claimed 15 lives, including his brother-in-law. A five-month siege between the army and the extremist group in Marawi followed. “It won’t take place again in Davao,” Pendon states. Nine years later, the threat of IS again looms over one of the country's largest cities, during worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the suspected Bondi suspects, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram. Pendon, who is a a massage technician at the night market, learned of the Bondi incident on the media, but as with other residents interviewed, felt mostly disconnected. Even the 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A monument for the 2016 fatalities stands in a corner of the night market, seeming out of place amidst the celebratory mood as hundreds flocked there for food, massages and trinkets. Ongoing Inquiries Amid Festive Celebrations Investigations into the time in the Philippines of the father and son comes as the predominantly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs. “I was taken aback 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 inquiry into their activities is active and the precise reason for their visit is as yet unclear. “It is simply a shame that valid issues are co-opted by extremism. Sadly, the narrative of extreme conflict was unfairly glued to the region's identity,” noted Karlos Manlupig, executive director of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao. Trust in Policing Record Lorenzo is additionally assured that nobody could execute another act of terror in the city historically ruled by the political machine of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both notable and notorious – was built on heavily policing Davao through tough anti-crime and anti-drug initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand searching bags. The authorities has pushed back against suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups persist, authorities say they are small and degraded. Investigators Trace Activities What is evident, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two never left the city nor obtained military-style training in the country, as was earlier claimed. Law enforcement have said they are “taking seriously” the father and son's presence 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 numerous locations the two could have frequented or met contacts in the neighborhood. Many of outlets sit between the hotel where they stayed and a local popular fast food chain, where they were understood to buy their meals. Police are examining surveillance tapes and tracing transport records to reconstruct their movements, and that every scenario are being considered. Fears in Marawi City Over Labels In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, residents are anxious that fresh associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and increase prejudice against Muslims. Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must find out what happened. “[The Akrams’] stay should be properly investigated and the intel should provide clear and truthful answers without converting questions into accusations against its people or its people,” he said. Manlupig praised community efforts in improving the peace and order in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism magically vanished”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and governance challenges that fuel the reasons behind the unrest while “persist in promoting acceptance and avoid discrimination and sectarianism”.