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That was the most frightening experience of his existence. In 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 killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A five-month conflict between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi ensued.

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

Nearly a decade later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the country's key cities, during global attention over the four-week stay in the city of the accused Bondi suspects, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who works as a masseur at the night market, learned of the attack on the news, but as with other residents spoken to, felt mostly disconnected.

The 2016 blast is a bad memory he is working to forget. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims sits in a section of the night market, appearing out of place amidst the celebratory mood as crowds gathered there for food, massages and goods.

Current Inquiries Amid Festive Preparations

Probes regarding the visit to the country of the duo coincides with the predominantly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have made clear the inquiry into their actions is ongoing and the exact reason for their trip is as yet uncertain.

“It is just unfortunate that legitimate grievances are hijacked by radicalism. Regrettably, the reputation of savage attacks was wrongly attached to Mindanao’s image,” said Karlos Manlupig, executive director of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Safety Record

Lorenzo is additionally confident that nobody could perpetrate another act of terror in the city long ruled by the political machine of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and controversial – was forged through aggressively securitising Davao through tough anti-crime and anti-drug initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has denied suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and marginalization that has seen some Islamic independence movements forge ties with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are limited in size and diminished.

Investigators Piece Together Movements

What is evident, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor received military-style training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Police have said they are “taking seriously” the father and son's visit in the country as they map out the movements of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Police say there are numerous establishments the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the vicinity. Scores of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a close by restaurant, where they were reported to buy their food.

Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage and tracking transport records to piece together their whereabouts, and that all possibilities are being considered.

Fears in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are anxious that fresh 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 investigative bodies must establish what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be properly investigated and the intel should provide transparent and factual answers without converting questions into accusations against Mindanao or its people,” he said.

Manlupig lauded community efforts in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism magically vanished”. He said the country must tackle socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that fuel the impulses behind the conflict while “persist in promoting tolerance and steer clear of prejudice and sectarianism”.