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This was the scariest moment of his life. Back in the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a detonation at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The ISIS assault left 15 dead, among them his wife's brother. A prolonged conflict between the military and the extremist group in Marawi City ensued.

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

Nearly a decade later, the threat of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ major cities, amid international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, learned of the Bondi incident on the television, but like other citizens surveyed, felt mostly disconnected.

Even the 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is working to forget. A monument for the 2016 deaths is placed in a section of the night market, appearing mismatched amidst the joyful mood as hundreds came there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Active Inquiries Amid Holiday Cheer

Probes regarding the visit to the country of the father and son coincides with the mostly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, malls are crowded, 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 violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have emphasized the investigation into their activities is continuing and the precise reason for their stay is still unclear.

“It is simply unfortunate that legitimate grievances are hijacked by radicalism. Regrettably, the reputation of extreme conflict was incorrectly tied to the region's image,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Policing Legacy

Lorenzo is also certain that no one could execute another terrorist strike in the city historically administered by the political machine of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both renowned and notorious – was forged through tightly securing Davao through strict law and order and drug war campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand inspecting bags.

The national government has rejected allegations that it was a terrorist training ground for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups persist, authorities say they are limited in size and weakened.

Authorities Piece Together Movements

What is evident, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two never left the city nor obtained weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Investigators have said they are “not taking lightly” the duo's presence in the country as they map out the actions of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are many places the two could have visited or had meetings in the vicinity. Many of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a close by Jollibee, where they were known to buy their food.

Detectives are examining CCTV footage and tracking cab rides to reconstruct their movements, and that any potential lead are being explored.

Fears in the Region Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with extremist groups in 2017, locals are concerned that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and deepen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must find out what took place.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be carefully probed and the information should provide accurate and honest answers without transforming doubt into finger-pointing against its people or its people,” he said.

Manlupig commended community efforts in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and political factors that fuel the impulses behind the conflict while “continue pushing for understanding and avoid prejudice and division”.