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It was the most terrifying time of his life. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The Islamic State assault claimed 15 lives, among them his wife's brother. A prolonged battle between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi followed.

“It will not occur again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Nine years later, the threat of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, amidst international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, learned of Bondi on the media, but like other citizens interviewed, felt largely detached.

The 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 victims is placed in a corner of the night market, appearing incongruous amidst the celebratory environment as hundreds came there for meals, massages and goods.

Ongoing Probes Amid Christmas Celebrations

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the pair is happening while the mostly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have stated the inquiry into their activities is continuing and the precise reason for their trip is as yet unclear.

“It is just unfortunate that legitimate grievances are hijacked by radicalism. Regrettably, the story of extreme conflict was incorrectly tied to the region's character,” stated Karlos Manlupig, head of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Policing History

Lorenzo is furthermore assured that nobody could execute another terror attack in the city historically administered by the political machine of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both famous and notorious – was established by tightly securing Davao through strict anti-crime and anti-drug campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has rejected claims that it was a terrorist training ground for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of unrest and marginalization that has seen some Islamic independence movements forge ties with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups persist, experts say they are limited in size and weakened.

Investigators Reconstruct Whereabouts

What is certain, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor obtained military-style training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Investigators have said they are “treating with gravity” the father and son's visit in the country as they map out the activities of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are several locations the two could have frequented or had meetings in the vicinity. Many of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a nearby Jollibee, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Police are reviewing CCTV footage and following transport records to reconstruct their whereabouts, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Worries in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with extremist groups in 2017, inhabitants are concerned that renewed terrorist labels 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 investigative bodies must establish what happened.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be properly investigated and the intelligence should provide transparent and factual answers without transforming doubt into blame against the region or its people,” he said.

Manlupig lauded civic actions in strengthening the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront root causes and governance challenges that motivate the impulses behind the unrest while “keep advocating for understanding and avoid bias and division”.