This was the most frightening time of his existence. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The ISIS assault left 15 dead, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged battle between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi City ensued.
“It won’t happen again in Davao,” Pendon says.
Years later, the threat of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ key cities, amidst international scrutiny over the four-week stay in the city of the suspected Bondi suspects, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.
Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, saw news of Bondi on the media, but similar to other locals spoken to, felt mostly disconnected.
The 2016 bombing is a traumatic event he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 deaths sits in a part of the night market, looking out of place amidst the festive atmosphere as hundreds flocked there for food, massages and trinkets.
Probes regarding the visit to the country of the father and son coincides with the mostly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been decorated with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are busy, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.
“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have emphasized the inquiry into their actions is continuing and the true reason for their stay is remains unclear.
“It is unfortunate that real concerns are hijacked by extremism. Regrettably, the narrative of extreme conflict was wrongly attached to the island's identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.
Lorenzo is also confident that no one could execute another terror attack in the city for a long time governed by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and infamous – was built on tightly securing Davao through strict law and order and anti-drug initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand inspecting bags.
The national government has pushed back against claims that it was a terrorist training ground for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of unrest and disenfranchisement that has seen some Muslim separatist groups forge ties with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are limited in size and weakened.
What is evident, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor underwent combat training in the country, as was previously alleged.
Law enforcement have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's presence in the country as they piece together the activities of the suspects during their four-week stay in Davao City.
Authorities say there are many establishments the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the area. Scores of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a local popular fast food chain, where they were understood to buy their food.
Detectives are analyzing CCTV footage and tracking transport records to establish their itinerary, and that every scenario are being entertained.
In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are concerned that fresh terrorist labels could lead to heightened securitisation and increase discrimination against Muslims.
Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must find out what took place.
“[The Akrams’] time here should be carefully probed and the information should provide accurate and honest answers without converting questions into accusations against Mindanao or its people,” he said.
Manlupig praised civic actions in improving the peace and order in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that extremism was eradicated”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and political factors that motivate the reasons behind the conflict while “keep advocating for acceptance and avoid prejudice and polarization”.
