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This was the scariest time of his existence. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS strike killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A prolonged conflict between the military and the militant group in Marawi City came after.

“It won’t take place again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Nearly a decade later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the nation's largest cities, during international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the accused Bondi suspects, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who works as a masseur at the night market, heard about the Bondi incident on the television, but as with other locals surveyed, felt largely detached.

Even the 2016 bombing is a bad memory he is working to forget. A remembrance marker for the 2016 deaths is placed in a corner of the night market, appearing out of place amid the festive atmosphere as hundreds gathered there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Holiday Preparations

Investigations into the visit to the country of the pair comes as the predominantly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the investigation into their whereabouts is continuing and the precise reason for their stay is as yet unknown.

“It is unfortunate that valid issues are exploited by terrorism. Regrettably, the narrative of brutal violence was incorrectly tied to the island's identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Security Record

Lorenzo is additionally assured that nobody could execute another terror attack in the city long governed by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both famous and notorious – was forged through tightly securing Davao through tough law and order and drug war campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand checking bags.

The Philippine government has rejected claims that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of unrest and marginalization that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups persist, authorities say they are limited in size and weakened.

Authorities Reconstruct Whereabouts

What is certain, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor obtained combat training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Law enforcement have said they are “taking seriously” the pair’s stay in the country as they piece together the actions of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are many places the two could have gone to or had meetings in the area. Dozens of businesses sit between the hotel where they stayed and a nearby popular fast food chain, where they were known to buy their meals.

Police are analyzing security camera video and tracking cab rides to establish their movements, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are concerned that fresh accusations of extremism could lead to tighter restrictions and increase discrimination against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] visit should be carefully probed and the intelligence should provide transparent and factual answers without transforming doubt into accusations against its people or its people,” he said.

Manlupig praised civic actions in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that extremism simply disappeared”. He said the country must tackle root causes and political factors that motivate the impulses behind the unrest while “continue pushing for understanding and avoid discrimination and division”.