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It was the scariest time of his existence. In 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a detonation at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS strike claimed 15 lives, including his brother-in-law. A five-month siege between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi City followed.

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

Nine years later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the country's major cities, amid worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi suspects, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, learned of Bondi on the media, but as with other residents spoken to, felt largely disconnected.

The 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A memorial for the 2016 deaths sits in a part of the night market, appearing incongruous against the celebratory environment as hundreds gathered there for meals, massages and goods.

Active Probes Amid Christmas Preparations

Examinations of the time in the Philippines of the father and son is happening while the mostly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, shopping centers 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 violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have made clear the inquiry into their actions is continuing and the exact reason for their trip is as yet uncertain.

“It is just a shame that real concerns are hijacked by extremism. Regrettably, the narrative of brutal violence was wrongly attached to the region's image,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Policing History

Lorenzo is additionally 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 notable and infamous – was established by aggressively securitising Davao through tough anti-crime and anti-drug initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand checking bags.

The authorities has denied suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and disenfranchisement 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.

Police Trace Activities

What is certain, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor underwent weapons 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 reconstruct the movements of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are many locations the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Dozens of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a local restaurant, where they were understood to buy their food.

Police are analyzing CCTV footage and following taxi trips to reconstruct their itinerary, and that all possibilities are being considered.

Fears in the Region Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with extremist groups in 2017, locals are worried that new associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must find out what happened.

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

Manlupig lauded community efforts in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that radicalism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront economic and social issues and political factors that fuel the impulses behind the conflict while “keep advocating for tolerance and prevent discrimination and division”.