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This was the most frightening moment of his existence. During the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The Islamic State assault claimed 15 lives, among them his brother-in-law. A lengthy battle between the armed forces and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi 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, amid global attention over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi suspects, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who makes a living as a masseur at the night market, learned of the Bondi incident on the media, but similar to other locals interviewed, felt mostly removed.

The 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 deaths sits in a section of the night market, appearing mismatched amidst the joyful mood as many people gathered there for food, massages and trinkets.

Active Probes Amid Christmas Cheer

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the father and son coincides with the mostly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been decorated with a towering Christmas tree, malls 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 sightseeing, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have stated the inquiry into their actions is ongoing and the true reason for their visit is remains unclear.

“It is unfortunate that real concerns are hijacked by terrorism. Unfortunately, the reputation of brutal violence was unfairly glued to the region's image,” stated Karlos Manlupig, executive director of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Policing Legacy

Lorenzo is additionally certain that no one could execute another terror attack in the city long governed by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both renowned and controversial – was built on heavily policing Davao through strict law and order and drug war policies. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand searching bags.

The national government has rejected claims that it was a terrorist training ground for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of instability and marginalization that has seen some Muslim separatist groups establish links with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups persist, authorities say they are small and diminished.

Police Piece Together Whereabouts

What is clear, 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 “taking seriously” the pair’s stay in the country as they piece together the actions of the suspects during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are many locations the two could have gone to or met contacts in the vicinity. Dozens of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a nearby popular fast food chain, where they were known to buy their meals.

Police are examining surveillance tapes and tracing cab rides to establish their itinerary, and that any potential lead are being explored.

Fears in the Region Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are anxious that renewed accusations of extremism could lead to increased security measures and worsen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must find out what happened.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be properly investigated and the information should provide accurate and honest answers without turning uncertainty into accusations against the region or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig lauded local initiatives in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “it is not true that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle economic and social issues and political factors that motivate the reasons behind the conflict while “keep advocating for understanding and steer clear of bias and sectarianism”.