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It was the most frightening experience of his existence. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The ISIS assault killed 15, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged siege between the army and the militant group in Marawi City came after.

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

Nearly a decade later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the country's key cities, during worldwide focus over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi suspects, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, learned of the Bondi incident on the news, but similar to other citizens spoken to, felt mostly removed.

Even the 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 deaths sits in a corner of the night market, appearing out of place amid the joyful mood as hundreds gathered there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Ongoing Probes Amid Festive Preparations

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the pair is happening while the mostly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, 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 sightseeing, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have stated the investigation into their whereabouts is active and the true reason for their visit is remains unknown.

“It is a shame that real concerns are hijacked by radicalism. Sadly, the narrative of extreme conflict was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s character,” stated Karlos Manlupig, head of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Security History

Lorenzo is furthermore assured that no one could perpetrate another terrorist strike in the city for a long time governed by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and controversial – was established by tightly securing Davao through hardline law and order and anti-drug policies. At an entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has rejected claims that it was a base for militant training for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of instability and marginalisation that has seen some Muslim separatist groups forge ties with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups persist, experts say they are small and weakened.

Authorities Piece Together Whereabouts

What is certain, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor obtained combat training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the duo's visit in the country as they reconstruct the actions of the father and son during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are numerous locations the two could have visited or connected with associates in the vicinity. Scores of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a local Jollibee, where they were known to buy their food.

Detectives are reviewing security camera video and following cab rides to reconstruct their movements, and that every scenario are being entertained.

Concerns in Marawi Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are concerned that new associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and increase bias against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] stay should be thoroughly examined and the intel should provide transparent and factual answers without turning uncertainty into blame against its people or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig praised civic actions in improving the security situation in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle root causes and governance challenges that fuel the reasons behind the conflict while “persist in promoting acceptance and steer clear of prejudice and division”.