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This was the most frightening time of his existence. In the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS assault claimed 15 lives, including his brother-in-law. A five-month siege between the military and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi came after.

“It cannot occur again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Nearly a decade later, the shadow of IS once more hangs over one of the country's largest cities, amidst international scrutiny over the month-long stay in the city of the alleged Bondi suspects, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, learned of the attack on the news, but like other locals spoken to, felt predominantly disconnected.

The 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 deaths is placed in a corner of the night market, looking incongruous against the joyful mood as many people gathered there for food, massages and trinkets.

Current Inquiries Amid Holiday Celebrations

Investigations into the visit to the country of the duo is happening while the mostly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have stated the inquiry into their actions is active and the true reason for their visit is as yet unclear.

“It is a shame that legitimate grievances are hijacked by terrorism. Sadly, the reputation of brutal violence was unfairly glued to the island's identity,” said Karlos Manlupig, executive director of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Security Record

Lorenzo is additionally assured that no one could perpetrate another act of terror in the city long administered by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and notorious – was forged through aggressively securitising Davao through hardline law and order and anti-drug initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand inspecting bags.

The national government has rejected suggestions that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of instability and marginalisation that has seen some Muslim separatist groups establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups persist, experts say they are small and diminished.

Investigators Piece Together Activities

What is clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor received weapons training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Investigators have said they are “not taking lightly” the duo's presence in the country as they piece together the activities of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are several establishments the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the vicinity. Dozens of businesses sit between the hotel where they stayed and a close by restaurant, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Detectives are analyzing security camera video and following taxi trips to establish their whereabouts, and that all possibilities are being considered.

Worries in Marawi Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, locals are concerned that fresh terrorist labels could lead to heightened securitisation and increase bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the 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 turning uncertainty into blame against the region or its people,” he said.

Manlupig commended community efforts in strengthening the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront economic and social issues and governance challenges that motivate the motivations behind the conflict while “keep advocating for tolerance and steer clear of prejudice and sectarianism”.