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This was the scariest time of his existence. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The Islamic State assault left 15 dead, among them his brother-in-law. A lengthy siege between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi City ensued.

“It will not happen again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Nine years later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the nation's major cities, during worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the alleged Bondi suspects, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who works as a masseur at the night market, learned of the Bondi incident on the television, but as with other locals spoken to, felt largely disconnected.

The 2016 attack is a bad memory he is working to forget. A remembrance marker for the 2016 fatalities stands in a corner of the night market, seeming incongruous against the celebratory environment as crowds gathered there for food, massages and goods.

Active Inquiries Amid Christmas Celebrations

Probes regarding the time in the Philippines of the pair coincides with the predominantly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a towering Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have stated the probe into their whereabouts is ongoing and the true reason for their stay is still unknown.

“It is unfortunate that legitimate grievances are co-opted by extremism. Regrettably, the story of extreme conflict was wrongly attached to the region's image,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Security Record

Lorenzo is furthermore certain that no one could execute another terror attack in the city for a long time ruled by the family of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and controversial – was established by heavily policing Davao through hardline anti-crime and anti-drug campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand checking bags.

The authorities has rejected suggestions that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and marginalization that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are limited in size and diminished.

Authorities Trace Activities

What is evident, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor underwent military-style training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Investigators have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's stay in the country as they piece together the movements of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are many places the two could have visited or had meetings in the vicinity. Many of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a close by restaurant, where they were understood to buy their food.

Officers are reviewing CCTV footage and tracing taxi trips to reconstruct their movements, and that every scenario are being entertained.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, residents are concerned that new associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and increase bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must establish what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be thoroughly examined and the information should provide clear and truthful answers without transforming doubt into blame against Mindanao or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig commended civic actions in improving the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront economic and social issues and political factors that motivate the reasons behind the unrest while “keep advocating for tolerance and prevent discrimination and division”.