It was the scariest time of his existence. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a detonation at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The ISIS assault killed 15, among them his brother-in-law. A five-month siege between the army and the militant group in Marawi came after.
“It will not happen again in Davao,” Pendon asserts.
Nine years later, the specter of IS once more hangs over one of the country's largest cities, during worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi suspects, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.
Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, heard about the attack on the news, but as with other residents spoken to, felt mostly detached.
Even the 2016 bombing is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A memorial for the 2016 deaths is placed in a corner of the night market, looking incongruous against the celebratory environment as many people flocked there for meals, massages and souvenirs.
Ongoing Probes Amid Christmas Preparations
Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the pair comes as the predominantly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children knock on doors to sing carols.
“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have made clear the investigation into their whereabouts is active and the true reason for their trip is as yet unknown.
“It is simply unfortunate that legitimate grievances are hijacked by terrorism. Sadly, the story of extreme conflict was incorrectly tied to Mindanao’s identity,” noted Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.
Confidence in Security Legacy
Lorenzo is furthermore certain that no one could perpetrate another act of terror in the city historically administered by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and notorious – was forged through tightly securing Davao through strict anti-crime and anti-drug initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand checking bags.
The authorities has denied suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups persist, authorities say they are small and degraded.
Authorities Piece Together Whereabouts
What is evident, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor underwent weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested.
Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the duo's visit in the country as they piece together the activities of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.
Investigators say there are several locations the two could have gone to or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Dozens of outlets sit between the GV Hotel and a close by restaurant, where they were reported to buy their meals.
Officers are reviewing surveillance tapes and following cab rides to establish their itinerary, and that all possibilities are being entertained.
Worries in the Region Over Bias
In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are concerned that renewed accusations of extremism could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen bias against Muslims.
Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must determine what took place.
“[The Akrams’] time here should be thoroughly examined and the information should provide clear and truthful answers without turning uncertainty into accusations against the region or its people,” Abdullah said.
Manlupig commended local initiatives in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront root causes and governance challenges that motivate the motivations behind the violence while “continue pushing for tolerance and avoid bias and polarization”.
