Worrying Memories Resurface in Davao as Investigators Track Bondi Beach Attack Suspects’ Time in the City
It was the scariest experience of his existence. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a detonation at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The IS strike killed 15, among them his wife's brother. A lengthy siege between the army and the extremist group in Marawi came after.
“It will not take place again in Davao,” Pendon states.
Nine years later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the nation's major cities, during worldwide focus over the 28-day stay in the city of the accused Bondi beach shooters, the Akrams, father and son.
Pendon, who works as a masseur at the night market, learned of the attack on the news, but like other locals spoken to, felt mostly detached.
The 2016 blast is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A memorial for the 2016 deaths is placed in a section of the night market, seeming incongruous amidst the joyful mood as hundreds gathered there for meals, massages and goods.
Ongoing Investigations Amid Festive Preparations
Probes regarding the time in the Philippines of the father and son coincides with the predominantly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.
“I was taken aback 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. Authorities have emphasized the probe into their activities is active and the exact reason for their stay is as yet unclear.
“It is regrettable that valid issues are hijacked by terrorism. Regrettably, the narrative of savage attacks was wrongly attached to Mindanao’s identity,” noted Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.
Faith in Policing Record
Lorenzo is furthermore certain that nobody could execute another terror attack in the city historically ruled by the political machine of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and controversial – was built on aggressively securitising Davao through tough law and order and drug war initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand searching bags.
The authorities has pushed back against allegations that it was a hub for extremists for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of unrest and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions establish links with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are small and weakened.
Authorities Piece Together Activities
What is clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor received military-style training in the country, as was previously alleged.
Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the father and son's presence in the country as they map out the movements of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.
Police say there are several places the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Dozens of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a close by restaurant, where they were known to buy their food.
Police are reviewing surveillance tapes and tracking transport records to establish their itinerary, and that every scenario are being explored.
Worries in the Region Over Bias
In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with extremist groups in 2017, locals are worried that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and deepen discrimination against Muslims.
Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must establish what took place.
“[The Akrams’] visit should be thoroughly examined and the intel should provide accurate and honest answers without turning uncertainty into blame against the region or its people,” he said.
Manlupig commended local initiatives in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and governance challenges that motivate the reasons behind the conflict while “continue pushing for acceptance and prevent prejudice and sectarianism”.