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That was the most frightening experience of his life. During the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS assault claimed 15 lives, including his wife's brother. A prolonged conflict between the military and the militant group in Marawi City came after.

“It won’t happen again in Davao,” Pendon asserts.

Nearly a decade later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, amid international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi suspects, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who works as a massage technician at the night market, learned of the Bondi incident on the television, but as with other citizens spoken to, felt predominantly removed.

The 2016 blast is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a corner of the night market, seeming mismatched amidst the celebratory environment as many people came there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Current Probes Amid Holiday Celebrations

Investigations into the time in the Philippines of the duo is happening while the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been lit up by a towering Christmas tree, malls are packed, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have made clear the inquiry into their activities is active and the exact reason for their visit is remains unknown.

“It is a shame that real concerns are exploited by radicalism. Regrettably, the narrative of extreme conflict was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s identity,” said Karlos Manlupig, head of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Security Record

Lorenzo is additionally assured that nobody could carry out another terror attack in the city for a long time ruled by the political machine of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both renowned and controversial – was forged through aggressively securitising Davao through tough anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand checking bags.

The national government has denied allegations that it was a terrorist training ground for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of unrest and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions establish links with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups persist, security officials say they are small and degraded.

Investigators Trace Activities

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

Investigators have said they are “treating with gravity” the father and son's presence in the country as they piece together the activities of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Police say there are many places the two could have frequented or had meetings in the neighborhood. Scores of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a local restaurant, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Officers are analyzing CCTV footage and tracing taxi trips to establish their whereabouts, and that any potential lead are being entertained.

Fears in Marawi Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, residents are worried that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and increase bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must determine what transpired.

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

Manlupig commended local initiatives in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and political factors that motivate the reasons behind the unrest while “persist in promoting acceptance and steer clear of prejudice and polarization”.