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This was the scariest moment of his existence. Back in 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 attack killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A five-month battle between the military and the jihadist group in Marawi followed.

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

Nearly a decade later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the nation's key cities, amid international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the accused Bondi suspects, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, learned of Bondi on the media, but similar to other locals spoken to, felt mostly detached.

The 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is working to forget. A monument for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a part of the night market, appearing out of place amidst the celebratory atmosphere as crowds flocked there for meals, massages and goods.

Active Inquiries Amid Festive Preparations

Investigations into the Philippines activities of the duo coincides with the mostly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been adorned with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are busy, 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 travel, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have made clear the investigation into their actions is ongoing and the precise reason for their trip is still unclear.

“It is regrettable that real concerns are hijacked by radicalism. Regrettably, the story of brutal violence was wrongly attached to the island's image,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Security History

Lorenzo is furthermore assured that no one could perpetrate another terror attack in the city long governed by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both famous and infamous – was forged through tightly securing Davao through tough anti-crime and anti-drug initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has rejected suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups persist, security officials say they are small and degraded.

Authorities Reconstruct Whereabouts

What is certain, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor underwent military-style training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the pair’s presence in the country as they piece together the movements of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are several places the two could have gone to or had meetings in the neighborhood. Scores of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a close by restaurant, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Detectives are reviewing surveillance tapes and tracing taxi trips to piece together their itinerary, and that every scenario are being considered.

Worries in Marawi City Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are concerned that new associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and increase prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must determine what happened.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be thoroughly examined and the intel should provide accurate and honest answers without transforming doubt into finger-pointing against the region or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig lauded community efforts in improving the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism was eradicated”. He said the country must address root causes and governance challenges that fuel the impulses behind the conflict while “persist in promoting tolerance and avoid prejudice and sectarianism”.