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It was the most terrifying moment of his existence. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State strike left 15 dead, among them his wife's brother. A lengthy battle between the armed forces and the extremist group in Marawi ensued.

“It won’t occur again in Davao,” Pendon says.

Nearly a decade later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the Philippines’ key cities, amid global attention over the month-long stay in the city of the alleged Bondi suspects, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, saw news of the attack on the news, but like other residents interviewed, felt mostly removed.

Even the 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 deaths sits in a part of the night market, appearing mismatched against the celebratory mood as crowds flocked there for food, massages and trinkets.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Christmas Cheer

Investigations into the Philippines activities of the pair is happening while the mostly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a towering Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“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. Authorities have made clear the probe into their actions is continuing and the precise reason for their trip is as yet uncertain.

“It is simply unfortunate that legitimate grievances are exploited by terrorism. Sadly, the narrative of brutal violence was wrongly attached to Mindanao’s identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, executive director of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Security History

Lorenzo is additionally certain that no one could carry out another act of terror in the city long ruled by the family of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both notable and infamous – was forged through aggressively securitising Davao through tough anti-crime and anti-drug initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand searching bags.

The national government has pushed back against allegations that it was a hub for extremists for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of instability and marginalization that has seen some Muslim separatist groups form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups persist, security officials say they are small and degraded.

Investigators Trace Movements

What is evident, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor received combat training in the country, as was previously alleged.

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

Authorities say there are numerous locations the two could have frequented or had meetings in the neighborhood. Many of outlets sit between the GV Hotel and a nearby restaurant, where they were reported to buy their food.

Detectives are analyzing security camera video and following cab rides to piece together their itinerary, and that every scenario are being explored.

Concerns in the Region Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with extremist groups in 2017, residents are concerned that renewed 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 intelligence community must determine what took place.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be thoroughly examined and the information should provide transparent and factual answers without transforming doubt into blame against its people or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig praised community efforts in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “it is not true that extremism magically vanished”. He said the country must tackle socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that motivate the motivations behind the conflict while “persist in promoting understanding and steer clear of prejudice and polarization”.