🔗 Share this article

This was the most frightening experience of his life. In the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The Islamic State attack left 15 dead, including his wife's brother. A lengthy battle between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi followed.

“It will not take place again in Davao,” Pendon says.

Years later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the country's major cities, amidst international scrutiny over the four-week stay in the city of the alleged Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a massage technician at the night market, learned of the Bondi incident on the television, but like other locals surveyed, felt predominantly detached.

Even the 2016 blast is a painful recollection he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a section of the night market, looking incongruous against the festive atmosphere as many people flocked there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Active Probes Amid Holiday Preparations

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the duo is happening while the predominantly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, malls are crowded, 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. Authorities have emphasized the probe into their activities is ongoing and the true reason for their visit is remains uncertain.

“It is simply regrettable that legitimate grievances are exploited by radicalism. Regrettably, the reputation of brutal violence was unfairly glued to the region's image,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Policing Record

Lorenzo is furthermore assured that no one could carry out another terrorist strike in the city for a long time administered by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and infamous – was built on tightly securing Davao through strict anti-crime and anti-drug campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has denied claims that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some Islamic independence movements forge ties with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups still exist, experts say they are limited in size and degraded.

Authorities Piece Together Movements

What is evident, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor received military-style training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Investigators have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's presence in the country as they map out the actions of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are many places the two could have visited or had meetings in the area. Scores of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a nearby restaurant, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Police are examining CCTV footage and following cab rides to establish their itinerary, and that every scenario are being considered.

Fears in Marawi City Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with extremist groups in 2017, inhabitants are anxious that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and increase bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must establish what took place.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be properly investigated and the information should provide clear and truthful answers without converting questions into finger-pointing against the region or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig praised local initiatives in strengthening the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront root causes and political factors that fuel the motivations behind the violence while “continue pushing for tolerance and prevent bias and division”.