🔗 Share this article

This was the most frightening experience of his existence. Back in September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State strike killed 15, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged conflict between the military and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi ensued.

“It cannot take place again in Davao,” Pendon asserts.

Nine years later, the specter of IS reappears over one of the nation's largest cities, amid global attention over the four-week stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, heard about the attack on the media, but as with other residents spoken to, felt predominantly removed.

The 2016 blast is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 victims sits in a part of the night market, appearing out of place against the celebratory atmosphere as hundreds flocked there for food, massages and goods.

Ongoing Probes Amid Festive Cheer

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the pair comes as the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“It surprised me 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 stated the probe into their whereabouts is active and the true reason for their trip is as yet uncertain.

“It is just unfortunate that real concerns are hijacked by terrorism. Unfortunately, the reputation of savage attacks was wrongly attached to the island's identity,” noted Karlos Manlupig, executive director of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Safety Record

Lorenzo is furthermore confident that no one could execute another terror attack in the city long ruled by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both notable and infamous – was built on heavily policing Davao through strict anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand checking bags.

The national government has rejected 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 Muslim separatist groups forge ties with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are limited in size and diminished.

Investigators Trace Whereabouts

What is certain, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor underwent combat training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the duo's presence in the country as they reconstruct the actions of the father and son during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are numerous places the two could have visited or met contacts in the neighborhood. Scores of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a local popular fast food chain, where they were known to buy their meals.

Officers are reviewing security camera video and tracing cab rides to establish their movements, and that any potential lead are being explored.

Worries in Marawi Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, residents are concerned that new terrorist labels could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must find out what happened.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be properly investigated and the intel should provide transparent and factual answers without transforming doubt into finger-pointing against Mindanao or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig commended civic actions in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism simply disappeared”. He said the country must tackle root causes and governance challenges that fuel the reasons behind the conflict while “keep advocating for tolerance and prevent bias and sectarianism”.