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That was the scariest moment of his existence. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The IS assault killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A lengthy siege between the armed forces and the militant group in the city of Marawi ensued.

“It will not occur again in Davao,” Pendon asserts.

Nearly a decade later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the nation's largest cities, amidst worldwide focus over the 28-day stay in the city of the accused Bondi suspects, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who works as a masseur at the night market, saw news of Bondi on the news, but as with other residents spoken to, felt mostly detached.

Even the 2016 blast is a painful recollection he is working to forget. A remembrance marker for the 2016 deaths sits in a corner of the night market, seeming mismatched amid the celebratory atmosphere as crowds flocked there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Holiday Cheer

Investigations into the visit to the country of the father and son comes as the predominantly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are busy, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have emphasized the investigation into their actions is ongoing and the true reason for their trip is as yet unclear.

“It is unfortunate that real concerns are exploited by terrorism. Unfortunately, the narrative of savage attacks was incorrectly tied to the island's identity,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety History

Lorenzo is also certain that no one could perpetrate another terrorist strike in the city long ruled by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both famous and controversial – was forged through tightly securing Davao through hardline law and order and drug war campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has denied suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are small and degraded.

Investigators Trace Whereabouts

What is evident, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor received military-style training in the country, as was previously alleged.

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 four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are many establishments the two could have frequented or met contacts in the area. Scores of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a local popular fast food chain, where they were reported to buy their food.

Police are reviewing CCTV footage and following cab rides to piece together their movements, and that every scenario are being entertained.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with IS-linked militants in 2017, residents are anxious that fresh terrorist labels could lead to heightened securitisation and deepen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must determine what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be carefully probed and the intelligence should provide transparent and factual answers without turning uncertainty into accusations against the region or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig commended local initiatives in improving the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that extremism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and political factors that fuel the impulses behind the violence while “keep advocating for tolerance and avoid discrimination and polarization”.