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That was the most frightening moment of his existence. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS strike killed 15, including his wife's brother. A lengthy battle between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi City came after.

“It will not happen again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Nine years later, the threat of IS again looms over one of the country's key cities, amid global attention over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi suspects, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who works as a massage technician at the night market, heard about the Bondi incident on the media, but similar to other residents spoken to, felt predominantly disconnected.

The 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a part of the night market, looking out of place amidst the joyful atmosphere as hundreds gathered there for meals, massages and goods.

Active Investigations Amid Holiday Cheer

Probes regarding the visit to the country of the pair coincides with the predominantly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a towering 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 violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have stated the probe into their actions is continuing and the precise reason for their stay is remains uncertain.

“It is simply unfortunate that valid issues are exploited by terrorism. Sadly, the reputation of savage attacks was incorrectly tied to the region's identity,” said Karlos Manlupig, executive director of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety Record

Lorenzo is furthermore confident that nobody could execute another terrorist strike in the city for a long time ruled by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and notorious – was established by heavily policing Davao through hardline law and order and drug war initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has rejected allegations that it was a base for militant training for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of conflict and marginalization that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are limited in size and weakened.

Investigators Piece Together Whereabouts

What is certain, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor received combat training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Investigators have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's presence in the country as they map out the actions of the father and son during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Police say there are many places the two could have gone to or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Scores of outlets sit between the GV Hotel and a close by Jollibee, where they were known to buy their food.

Police are examining CCTV footage and following taxi trips to reconstruct their itinerary, and that any potential lead are being explored.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with extremist groups in 2017, inhabitants are anxious that renewed accusations of extremism could lead to heightened securitisation and deepen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must find out what happened.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be thoroughly examined and the information should provide transparent and factual answers without transforming doubt into finger-pointing against its people or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig lauded civic actions in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that radicalism magically vanished”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and political factors that drive the reasons behind the conflict while “continue pushing for acceptance and prevent prejudice and sectarianism”.