Memories of past tragedies cast a long shadow over Davao as authorities seek to uncover the movements of the suspects linked to the Bondi shooting.
Imagine living through one of the most harrowing moments of your life. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon found himself just five meters away from a bomb detonation at the Roxas night market in Davao City. This horrific attack, attributed to the Islamic State, claimed the lives of 15 people, including Pendon's brother-in-law. Following this incident, the Philippines endured a grueling five-month conflict between military forces and jihadist factions in Marawi City.
Fast forward nine years, and the specter of ISIS once again looms over this significant Philippine metropolis. This time, it comes amid global scrutiny over the four-week presence in the city of the alleged shooters from Bondi Beach, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.
Pendon, who now works as a massage therapist at the bustling night market, learned about the Akrams from news reports. However, like many other locals interviewed by the Guardian, he feels a sense of disconnection from the events. The painful memory of the 2016 bombing is something he is striving to put behind him. "It won’t happen again in Davao," he asserts with a sense of conviction.
At the night market, a memorial for the victims of the 2016 bombing stands incongruously amidst the festive atmosphere where throngs of people gather to enjoy food, massages, and various trinkets during the holiday season.
As the predominantly Catholic nation prepares for Christmas, with Davao’s city hall proudly displaying a towering holiday tree and families crowding malls, the investigation into the Akrams' activities continues. Emelyn Lorenzo, another massage therapist based at the market, expressed her surprise at seeing the Akrams in the news, stating, "They were here for tourism, not terrorism." Despite ongoing inquiries, the exact purpose of their visit remains shrouded in mystery.
Lorenzo shares Pendon’s confidence that another terrorist act is unlikely in a city that has been under the influence of former President Rodrigo Duterte's family. Duterte is well-known for his controversial yet effective approach to security, which included aggressive anti-crime and anti-drug initiatives. At one of the market's entrances, security personnel can be seen meticulously checking bags, reinforcing the sense of safety.
The Philippine government has firmly rejected claims suggesting that the country served as a training ground for the accused Bondi shooters
