That was the most terrifying experience of his life. During the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The ISIS attack killed 15, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged conflict between the army and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi came after.
“It cannot take place again in Davao,” Pendon says.
Nine years later, the shadow of IS reappears over one of the country's major cities, amidst worldwide focus over the four-week stay in the city of the suspected Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.
Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, learned of Bondi on the news, but like other residents surveyed, felt predominantly detached.
Even the 2016 bombing is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a corner of the night market, looking incongruous against the celebratory mood as many people gathered there for food, massages and goods.
Current Investigations Amid Festive Celebrations
Probes regarding the visit to the country of the father and son is happening while the mostly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been decorated with a tall Christmas tree, malls 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 sightseeing, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have stated the investigation into their actions is active and the true reason for their stay is still uncertain.
“It is regrettable that real concerns are hijacked by radicalism. Sadly, the narrative of brutal violence was incorrectly tied to the island's image,” noted Karlos Manlupig, executive director of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.
Confidence in Security Record
Lorenzo is furthermore confident that no one could carry out another terror attack in the city long governed by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both famous and controversial – was forged through heavily policing Davao through tough anti-crime and drug war campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand searching bags.
The national government has rejected allegations that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and marginalization that has seen some Islamic independence movements forge ties with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups persist, security officials say they are limited in size and weakened.
Authorities Piece Together Activities
What is clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor underwent weapons training in the country, as was earlier claimed.
Investigators have said they are “not taking lightly” the duo's visit in the country as they map out the actions of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.
Investigators say there are numerous places the two could have gone to or connected with associates in the vicinity. Dozens of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a nearby restaurant, where they were understood to buy their food.
Detectives are analyzing CCTV footage and tracking cab rides to reconstruct their whereabouts, and that all possibilities are being explored.
Worries in the Region Over Stigma
In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with IS-linked militants in 2017, locals are anxious that new associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and deepen discrimination against Muslims.
Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must establish what transpired.
“[The Akrams’] stay should be thoroughly examined and the information should provide clear and truthful answers without converting questions into blame against its people or its people,” Andullah said.
Manlupig commended civic actions in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that extremism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront economic and social issues and political factors that fuel the impulses behind the unrest while “persist in promoting acceptance and prevent prejudice and sectarianism”.
