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This was the most frightening moment of his existence. Back in September 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS attack killed 15, among them his brother-in-law. A lengthy conflict between the army and the extremist group in the city of Marawi followed.

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

Nearly a decade later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the nation's key cities, during international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, learned of Bondi on the media, but as with other citizens interviewed, felt predominantly detached.

The 2016 blast is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A remembrance marker for the 2016 deaths sits in a corner of the night market, appearing mismatched amidst the celebratory mood as many people came there for food, massages and trinkets.

Active Investigations Amid Christmas Celebrations

Examinations of the time in the Philippines of the pair coincides with the mostly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, malls are packed, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have emphasized the investigation into their actions is ongoing and the precise reason for their trip is as yet unknown.

“It is simply a shame that legitimate grievances are exploited by radicalism. Regrettably, the reputation of extreme conflict was unfairly glued to the island's character,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Policing Record

Lorenzo is additionally confident that nobody could execute another terrorist strike in the city for a long time governed by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both famous and controversial – was forged through heavily policing Davao through strict law and order and drug war initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand inspecting bags.

The national government has pushed back against claims that it was a terrorist training ground for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some Muslim separatist groups establish links with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups still exist, experts say they are limited in size and diminished.

Police Reconstruct Activities

What is certain, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor received weapons training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Law enforcement have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's stay in the country as they reconstruct the movements of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are many locations the two could have visited or met contacts in the area. Scores of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a close by restaurant, where they were reported to buy their food.

Officers are examining surveillance tapes and following transport records to reconstruct their movements, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Worries in the Region Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are anxious that fresh accusations of extremism could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must find out what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be properly investigated and the intel should provide accurate and honest answers without converting questions into accusations against Mindanao or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig lauded local initiatives in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that extremism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle economic and social issues and political factors that drive the reasons behind the conflict while “continue pushing for understanding and steer clear of prejudice and sectarianism”.