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This was the scariest time of his existence. In 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a detonation at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The ISIS assault claimed 15 lives, including his wife's brother. A prolonged conflict between the armed forces and the jihadist group in Marawi came after.

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

Nine years later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ key cities, amid worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the suspected Bondi suspects, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, heard about Bondi on the media, but as with other residents interviewed, felt predominantly removed.

Even the 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a section of the night market, looking out of place against the celebratory environment as hundreds gathered there for food, massages and trinkets.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Holiday Celebrations

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the father and son is happening while the mostly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been lit up by a large 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 tourism, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have stated the investigation into their actions is continuing and the precise reason for their visit is remains uncertain.

“It is simply a shame that real concerns are hijacked by terrorism. Sadly, the story of savage attacks was incorrectly tied to the region's identity,” noted Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Policing Legacy

Lorenzo is furthermore certain that no one could perpetrate another terrorist strike in the city long administered by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and infamous – was established by tightly securing Davao through tough anti-crime and drug war policies. At one entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has pushed back against claims that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are small and degraded.

Authorities Reconstruct Movements

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

Investigators have said they are “not taking lightly” the pair’s presence in the country as they reconstruct the movements of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are several establishments the two could have gone to or connected with associates in the vicinity. Scores of outlets sit between the hotel where they stayed and a nearby Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Police are analyzing security camera video and tracing cab rides to piece together their whereabouts, and that every scenario are being considered.

Worries in Marawi City Over Bias

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

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must determine what happened.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be thoroughly examined and the information should provide clear and truthful answers without transforming doubt into accusations against Mindanao or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig commended civic actions in improving the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that radicalism magically vanished”. He said the country must address root causes and political factors that fuel the impulses behind the conflict while “persist in promoting tolerance and prevent discrimination and sectarianism”.