🔗 Share this article

It was the most terrifying experience of his existence. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS strike claimed 15 lives, among them his brother-in-law. A lengthy battle between the military and the jihadist group in Marawi City followed.

“It won’t take place again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Nine years later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the country's largest cities, during international scrutiny over the four-week stay in the city of the alleged Bondi beach shooters, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who works as a masseur at the night market, saw news of the attack on the television, but as with other citizens surveyed, felt mostly removed.

Even the 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 deaths is placed in a part of the night market, appearing incongruous amidst the joyful environment as hundreds came there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Ongoing Probes Amid Festive Cheer

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the father and son comes as the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been adorned with a tall Christmas tree, malls 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 travel, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the inquiry into their whereabouts is active and the precise reason for their stay is remains unknown.

“It is a shame that valid issues are exploited by radicalism. Regrettably, the narrative of brutal violence was wrongly attached to the island's character,” stated Karlos Manlupig, head of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Safety Record

Lorenzo is additionally confident that no one could perpetrate another terror attack in the city historically governed by the political machine of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both famous and notorious – was established by heavily policing Davao through hardline law and order and anti-drug campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four officers stand inspecting bags.

The national government has denied claims that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups persist, security officials say they are limited in size and weakened.

Police Trace Whereabouts

What is evident, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two never left the city nor obtained weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Investigators have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's stay in the country as they map out the activities of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are several locations the two could have visited or connected with associates in the area. Dozens of establishments sit between the hotel where they stayed and a local restaurant, where they were reported to buy their food.

Officers are examining surveillance tapes and tracing transport records to reconstruct their itinerary, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Fears in Marawi Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with IS-linked militants in 2017, locals are anxious that fresh accusations of extremism could lead to increased security measures and worsen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must find out what took place.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be properly investigated and the intel should provide accurate and honest answers without converting questions into accusations against Mindanao or its people,” he said.

Manlupig lauded local initiatives in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism was eradicated”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and governance challenges that drive the reasons behind the violence while “continue pushing for understanding and prevent discrimination and sectarianism”.