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It was the most terrifying experience of his life. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS assault claimed 15 lives, including his brother-in-law. A prolonged battle between the armed forces and the jihadist group in Marawi City ensued.

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

Nearly a decade later, the threat of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ major cities, amid worldwide focus over the four-week stay in the city of the accused Bondi suspects, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

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

Even the 2016 blast is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 victims stands in a corner of the night market, appearing out of place amid the celebratory atmosphere as crowds flocked there for meals, massages and goods.

Current Inquiries Amid Holiday Celebrations

Probes regarding the visit to the country of the duo is happening while the predominantly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, malls are packed, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have made clear the inquiry into their actions is continuing and the true reason for their stay is as yet unknown.

“It is just regrettable that real concerns are exploited by radicalism. Regrettably, the story of extreme conflict was incorrectly tied to the island's image,” noted Karlos Manlupig, executive director of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety Record

Lorenzo is additionally assured that no one could perpetrate another terror attack in the city historically administered by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both famous and notorious – was built on tightly securing Davao through strict anti-crime and anti-drug initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand checking bags.

The authorities has denied claims that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of instability and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are small and diminished.

Investigators Reconstruct Movements

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

Police have said they are “taking seriously” the father and son's presence in the country as they piece together the movements of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Police say there are many places the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the area. Dozens of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a close by Jollibee, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Officers are analyzing security camera video and tracking taxi trips to establish their movements, and that every scenario are being entertained.

Concerns in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, residents are concerned that new terrorist labels could lead to tighter restrictions and increase prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must determine what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be carefully probed and the information should provide transparent and factual answers without converting questions into blame against the region or its people,” he said.

Manlupig praised community efforts in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism magically vanished”. He said the country must address socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that motivate the impulses behind the violence while “continue pushing for acceptance and avoid bias and polarization”.