That was the most frightening experience of his existence. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a detonation at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State assault killed 15, including his wife's brother. A lengthy battle between the armed forces and the extremist group in Marawi came after.
“It cannot occur again in Davao,” Pendon states.
Nine years later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the country's major cities, amidst international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the accused Bondi beach shooters, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.
Pendon, who works as a masseur at the night market, learned of Bondi on the television, but like other locals spoken to, felt mostly removed.
The 2016 blast is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 fatalities stands in a section of the night market, looking mismatched amid the joyful mood as crowds flocked there for meals, massages and goods.
Active Investigations Amid Holiday Celebrations
Investigations into the visit to the country of the duo coincides with the mostly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been lit up by a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.
“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the inquiry into their activities is ongoing and the exact reason for their stay is as yet unknown.
“It is just unfortunate that legitimate grievances are hijacked by radicalism. Sadly, the reputation of savage attacks was wrongly attached to the island's identity,” noted Karlos Manlupig, executive director of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.
Faith in Safety Record
Lorenzo is additionally assured that no one could perpetrate another terror attack in the city for a long time administered by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and infamous – was established by aggressively securitising Davao through strict law and order and anti-drug initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four officers stand checking bags.
The national government has denied claims that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and marginalization that has seen some Muslim separatist groups establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are limited in size and diminished.
Authorities Reconstruct Movements
What is certain, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor obtained military-style training in the country, as was initially suggested.
Police have said they are “taking seriously” the pair’s visit in the country as they map out the movements of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.
Investigators say there are several establishments the two could have frequented or had meetings in the neighborhood. Scores of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a close by Jollibee, where they were reported to buy their food.
Police are reviewing surveillance tapes and following taxi trips to piece together their whereabouts, and that any potential lead are being considered.
Fears in Marawi City Over Stigma
In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with IS-linked militants in 2017, residents are concerned that renewed terrorist labels could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen prejudice against Muslims.
Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must establish what transpired.
“[The Akrams’] time here should be thoroughly examined and the intel should provide accurate and honest answers without converting questions into blame against the region or its people,” Abdullah said.
Manlupig lauded civic actions in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that extremism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront root causes and political factors that drive the motivations behind the violence while “continue pushing for understanding and avoid prejudice and sectarianism”.
