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That was the most terrifying experience of his existence. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State assault left 15 dead, including his wife's brother. A lengthy siege between the military and the extremist group in Marawi City followed.

“It will not happen again in Davao,” Pendon says.

Years later, the specter of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ major cities, during international scrutiny over the month-long stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who works as a massage technician at the night market, saw news of the Bondi incident on the media, but as with other locals surveyed, felt largely removed.

The 2016 bombing is a traumatic event he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 deaths is placed in a section of the night market, looking out of place against the festive environment as many people came there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Christmas Preparations

Investigations into the Philippines activities of the father and son coincides with the mostly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, malls are packed, 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 sightseeing, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the probe into their whereabouts is ongoing and the true reason for their visit is remains unclear.

“It is simply a shame that valid issues are hijacked by radicalism. Sadly, the narrative of savage attacks was wrongly attached to the island's image,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is furthermore confident that no one could carry out another terrorist strike in the city long governed by the clan of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both famous and controversial – was built on heavily policing Davao through strict law and order and anti-drug initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four officers stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has rejected suggestions that it was a terrorist training ground for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups persist, experts say they are small and weakened.

Police Reconstruct Movements

What is clear, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor underwent military-style training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the pair’s stay in the country as they map out the actions of the suspects during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are numerous locations the two could have visited or had meetings in the neighborhood. Scores of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a close by Jollibee, where they were known to buy their meals.

Officers are reviewing CCTV footage and tracing transport records to piece together their itinerary, and that every scenario are being explored.

Concerns in Marawi Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are worried that new accusations of extremism could lead to heightened securitisation and deepen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must determine what took place.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be properly investigated and the intel should provide clear and truthful answers without converting questions into blame against its people or its people,” he said.

Manlupig lauded local initiatives in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must address socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that motivate the impulses behind the conflict while “keep advocating for understanding and steer clear of prejudice and division”.