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That was the most terrifying moment of his existence. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The ISIS attack claimed 15 lives, among them his brother-in-law. A lengthy battle between the military and the extremist group in Marawi followed.

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

Nearly a decade later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ major 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 makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, learned of the attack on the news, but like other citizens surveyed, felt mostly detached.

The 2016 blast is a bad memory he is working to forget. A monument for the 2016 victims stands in a corner of the night market, looking incongruous amidst the festive environment as many people flocked there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Current Investigations Amid Christmas Cheer

Investigations into the Philippines activities of the father and son is happening while the overwhelmingly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a towering Christmas tree, malls are packed, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the investigation into their whereabouts is ongoing and the precise reason for their visit is remains unknown.

“It is a shame that real concerns are co-opted by radicalism. Sadly, the story of brutal violence was wrongly attached to Mindanao’s identity,” said Karlos Manlupig, head of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Security History

Lorenzo is additionally assured that no one could carry out another terror attack in the city for a long time ruled by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both notable and notorious – was forged through aggressively securitising Davao through hardline anti-crime and anti-drug policies. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand checking bags.

The national government has denied suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of instability and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are small and weakened.

Authorities Reconstruct Activities

What is certain, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor obtained combat training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Investigators have said they are “taking seriously” the father and son's stay in the country as they piece together the actions of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are several locations the two could have visited or connected with associates in the area. Scores of outlets sit between the hotel where they stayed and a nearby Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Detectives are examining surveillance tapes and following cab rides to establish their movements, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Worries in Marawi Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are anxious that fresh associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and increase discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must find out what happened.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be carefully probed and the intel should provide accurate and honest answers without turning uncertainty into accusations against its people or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig praised civic actions in improving the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle economic and social issues and governance challenges that motivate the motivations behind the unrest while “persist in promoting tolerance and prevent prejudice and sectarianism”.