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That was the scariest moment of his existence. During the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS attack claimed 15 lives, among them his brother-in-law. A lengthy conflict between the army and the militant group in Marawi City came after.

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

Nearly a decade later, the shadow of IS reappears over one of the country's major cities, amidst worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who works as a massage therapist at the night market, heard about the Bondi incident on the television, but similar to other citizens surveyed, felt largely detached.

The 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 deaths sits in a corner of the night market, looking out of place amidst the celebratory mood as crowds came there for meals, massages and goods.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Festive Preparations

Investigations into the Philippines activities of the pair comes as the mostly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a tall Christmas tree, malls are packed, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have made clear the probe into their actions is ongoing and the true reason for their stay is remains unclear.

“It is simply regrettable that real concerns are exploited by terrorism. Sadly, the story of savage attacks was unfairly glued to the region's character,” stated Karlos Manlupig, executive director of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Security Legacy

Lorenzo is additionally confident that nobody could execute another terror attack in the city long ruled by the clan of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and controversial – was established by heavily policing Davao through strict law and order and drug war policies. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand searching bags.

The Philippine 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 marginalization that has seen some local militant factions establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are limited in size and weakened.

Investigators Reconstruct Activities

What is clear, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor received combat training in the country, as was previously alleged.

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

Investigators say there are several locations the two could have visited or met contacts in the neighborhood. Scores of outlets sit between the GV Hotel and a nearby Jollibee, where they were known to buy their food.

Police are analyzing surveillance tapes and tracing taxi trips to reconstruct their whereabouts, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Concerns in the Region Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are anxious that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and increase bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must determine what took place.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be properly investigated and the intelligence should provide clear and truthful answers without turning uncertainty into finger-pointing against the region or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig praised community efforts in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront root causes and political factors that fuel the impulses behind the violence while “persist in promoting acceptance and steer clear of prejudice and division”.