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This was the most terrifying experience of his existence. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a detonation at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The ISIS attack killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A five-month siege between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi ensued.

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

Years later, the threat of IS again looms over one of the country's major cities, during international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, saw news of Bondi on the media, but like other locals interviewed, felt predominantly detached.

Even the 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 fatalities stands in a part of the night market, seeming mismatched amid the festive mood as hundreds came there for food, massages and goods.

Current Inquiries Amid Holiday Preparations

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the father and son is happening while the overwhelmingly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been lit up by a towering Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“I was taken aback 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. Authorities have made clear the inquiry into their activities is active and the exact reason for their trip is remains unknown.

“It is just a shame that legitimate grievances are hijacked by extremism. Sadly, the narrative of savage attacks was incorrectly tied to Mindanao’s character,” noted Karlos Manlupig, executive director of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety History

Lorenzo is also assured that no one could execute another terrorist strike in the city historically ruled by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both notable and notorious – was forged through tightly securing Davao through hardline law and order and anti-drug initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has rejected allegations that it was a base for militant training for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and marginalization that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are small and weakened.

Police Trace Activities

What is clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor received military-style training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the duo's presence in the country as they reconstruct the actions of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are many places the two could have visited or met contacts in the area. Scores of businesses sit between the hotel where they stayed and a nearby popular fast food chain, where they were understood to buy their food.

Police are analyzing CCTV footage and tracking cab rides to reconstruct their whereabouts, and that all possibilities are being considered.

Worries in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are concerned that fresh accusations of extremism could lead to heightened securitisation and increase bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must find out what happened.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be carefully probed and the intelligence should provide accurate and honest answers without turning uncertainty 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 “it is not true that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and political factors that motivate the motivations behind the conflict while “keep advocating for understanding and steer clear of discrimination and polarization”.