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It was the scariest experience of his existence. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS strike left 15 dead, including his brother-in-law. A lengthy conflict between the army and the militant group in Marawi City followed.

“It cannot take place again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Years later, the specter of IS once more hangs over one of the country's largest cities, amid worldwide focus over the four-week stay in the city of the alleged Bondi suspects, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who works as a massage therapist at the night market, saw news of Bondi on the television, but like other citizens spoken to, felt largely disconnected.

Even the 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is working to forget. A remembrance marker for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a section of the night market, seeming out of place amid the festive environment as crowds flocked there for food, massages and goods.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Christmas Cheer

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the duo comes as the overwhelmingly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Officials have made clear the investigation into their actions is continuing and the true reason for their trip is remains uncertain.

“It is just unfortunate that real concerns are co-opted by terrorism. Unfortunately, the reputation of savage attacks was incorrectly tied to the island's character,” said Karlos Manlupig, executive director of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Security Legacy

Lorenzo is also assured that nobody could carry out another terror attack in the city historically governed by the clan of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and notorious – was built on tightly securing Davao through strict anti-crime and anti-drug campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand inspecting bags.

The Philippine government has rejected suggestions that it was a base for militant training for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are limited in size and diminished.

Police Trace Activities

What is certain, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor obtained combat training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Law enforcement have said they are “taking seriously” the pair’s stay in the country as they reconstruct the activities of the father and son during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Police say there are numerous establishments the two could have visited or connected with associates in the vicinity. Many of outlets sit between the GV Hotel and a close by Jollibee, where they were known to buy their food.

Officers are examining security camera video and following transport records to reconstruct their whereabouts, and that all possibilities are being entertained.

Worries in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with IS-linked militants in 2017, locals are anxious that fresh associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and increase prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must establish what took place.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be carefully probed and the intel should provide transparent and factual answers without turning uncertainty into blame against the region or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig lauded community efforts in improving the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism simply disappeared”. He said the country must tackle economic and social issues and political factors that motivate the motivations behind the unrest while “keep advocating for tolerance and steer clear of bias and sectarianism”.