In September 2016, Gerry Pendon experienced what he described as the scariest moment of his life. He was just five metres away when a bomb exploded at the Roxas night market in Davao City, an attack claimed by Islamic State that killed 15 people, including his brother-in-law. Following the bombing, a five-month battle ensued between the military and jihadist groups in Marawi City.
Davao City Under Scrutiny
Nine years later, concerns about Islamic State have resurfaced in Davao City, coinciding with international attention on the four-week stay of the alleged Bondi beach shooters, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed. While authorities investigate the pair’s activities, residents like Pendon, a massage therapist at the night market, express a sense of detachment from the unfolding events. “It won’t happen again in Davao,” Pendon stated, reflecting a desire to move past the trauma of the 2016 attack.
Police have stated they are taking the presence of the Akrams in Davao City “not lightly” as they work to understand their movements during their stay. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and tracing taxi trips to reconstruct their activities, acknowledging numerous potential locations for visits or meetings.
The investigation unfolds as the Philippines, a predominantly Catholic nation, prepares for Christmas celebrations, with city halls adorned and public spaces bustling with activity.
Emelyn Lorenzo, another massage therapist at the night market, expressed surprise at the Akrams’ appearance in the news but believes they were tourists, stating, “But they were here for tourism, not terrorism.”
Government Response and Regional Concerns
The Philippine government has refuted claims that the country served as a terrorist training ground for the accused Bondi shooters. While acknowledging a history of unrest and ties between some Muslim separatist groups and international jihadist organizations, officials maintain that these groups are currently small and weakened. Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, confirmed that the Akrams did not leave the city or receive military-style training while in the country.
In Marawi City, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, residents have voiced concerns that renewed attention on terrorism could lead to increased securitization and prejudice against Muslims. Karlos Manlupig, executive director of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao, emphasized the importance of addressing socioeconomic and political factors that contribute to extremism while promoting tolerance and inclusivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the renewed scrutiny of Davao City?
The four-week stay in Davao City by Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram, the alleged Bondi beach shooters, prompted the renewed scrutiny and investigation.
What is the current assessment of the threat posed by IS-linked groups in the Philippines?
Security officials state that while IS-linked groups remain present in the Philippines, they are currently small and weakened.
What is the Philippine government’s stance on claims that the country was used for terrorist training?
The Philippine government has pushed back against these claims, stating that the Akrams did not leave the city or receive military-style training while in the country.
As investigations continue, it is possible that further details regarding the Akrams’ activities in Davao City will emerge. It is also possible that security measures in the region may be heightened. However, without further information, the full extent of any potential connections or risks remains unclear.
How might the outcome of this investigation impact perceptions of security and stability in the Philippines?
