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This was the scariest experience of his life. In the fall of 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 attack killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A prolonged conflict between the armed forces and the extremist group in Marawi came after.

“It cannot take place again in Davao,” Pendon says.

Nearly a decade later, the shadow of IS reappears over one of the country's key cities, amidst global attention over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi suspects, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, learned of Bondi on the news, but as with other residents interviewed, felt predominantly disconnected.

Even the 2016 attack is a bad memory he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities sits in a section of the night market, seeming out of place amidst the joyful mood as hundreds gathered there for food, massages and trinkets.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Christmas Preparations

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the father and son coincides with the mostly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a towering Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“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. Officials have emphasized the investigation into their actions is ongoing and the exact reason for their visit is remains uncertain.

“It is unfortunate that valid issues are co-opted by radicalism. Unfortunately, the story of savage attacks was wrongly attached to the island's character,” noted Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Policing History

Lorenzo is furthermore confident that no one could execute another act of terror in the city for a long time governed by the clan of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and infamous – was forged through heavily policing Davao through tough anti-crime and drug war policies. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand searching bags.

The authorities has denied claims that it was a hub for extremists for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of instability and marginalization that has seen some local militant factions establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups persist, security officials say they are limited in size and diminished.

Authorities Trace Activities

What is evident, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor obtained military-style training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Law enforcement have said they are “treating with gravity” the father and son's stay in the country as they piece together the actions of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are numerous establishments the two could have frequented or had meetings in the area. Dozens of businesses sit between the hotel where they stayed and a close by Jollibee, where they were known to buy their meals.

Officers are analyzing security camera video and tracing transport records to piece together their movements, and that any potential lead are being entertained.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with extremist groups in 2017, residents are concerned that fresh accusations of extremism could lead to increased security measures and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must find out what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be properly investigated and the information should provide accurate and honest answers without transforming doubt into accusations against its people or its people,” he said.

Manlupig commended civic actions in improving the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle root causes and governance challenges that motivate the impulses behind the violence while “continue pushing for understanding and steer clear of discrimination and polarization”.