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This was the scariest experience of his life. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS assault left 15 dead, including his wife's brother. A prolonged conflict between the military and the extremist group in Marawi City followed.

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

Nine years later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the nation's largest cities, during international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi suspects, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a massage technician at the night market, learned of the Bondi incident on the television, but as with other residents spoken to, felt predominantly detached.

Even the 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a section of the night market, seeming out of place against the celebratory atmosphere as hundreds flocked there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Christmas Cheer

Probes regarding the time in the Philippines of the duo coincides with the predominantly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a towering Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children go door-to-door 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, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have made clear the investigation into their activities is continuing and the exact reason for their visit is as yet unclear.

“It is simply unfortunate that valid issues are hijacked by radicalism. Regrettably, the reputation of extreme conflict was incorrectly tied to the island's image,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Policing Legacy

Lorenzo is additionally confident that no one could perpetrate another terrorist strike in the city long administered by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both notable and notorious – was forged through tightly securing Davao through tough anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand checking bags.

The Philippine government has pushed back against allegations that it was a base for militant training for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of unrest and marginalization that has seen some Islamic independence movements forge ties with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups persist, authorities say they are small and diminished.

Police Reconstruct Movements

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

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

Investigators say there are several establishments the two could have gone to or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Dozens of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a local Jollibee, where they were known to buy their food.

Detectives are reviewing surveillance tapes and tracing taxi trips to establish their movements, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Worries in the Region Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with extremist groups in 2017, residents are anxious that fresh terrorist labels could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must find out what took place.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be carefully probed and the intel should provide accurate and honest answers without turning uncertainty into blame against the region or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig praised community efforts in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism simply disappeared”. He said the country must tackle root causes and governance challenges that fuel the motivations behind the conflict while “continue pushing for acceptance and steer clear of discrimination and division”.