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This was the scariest time of his life. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a detonation at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State assault killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A lengthy siege between the army and the militant group in Marawi followed.

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

Years later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ key cities, during international scrutiny over the month-long stay in the city of the alleged Bondi attackers, 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 as with other citizens spoken to, felt predominantly removed.

Even the 2016 bombing is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 deaths sits in a part of the night market, looking out of place amidst the festive environment as hundreds flocked there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Active Probes Amid Holiday Cheer

Investigations into the Philippines activities of the pair is happening while the mostly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a towering 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 violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have made clear the investigation into their activities is active and the true reason for their visit is as yet unclear.

“It is just regrettable that legitimate grievances are exploited by radicalism. Sadly, the narrative of extreme conflict was incorrectly tied to the region's image,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety Record

Lorenzo is furthermore confident that no one could perpetrate another terrorist strike in the city long ruled by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both notable and notorious – was forged through aggressively securitising Davao through tough law and order and anti-drug initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand checking bags.

The Philippine government has rejected suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are small and degraded.

Investigators Reconstruct Activities

What is evident, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor received combat training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Police have said they are “taking seriously” the father and son's visit in the country as they piece together the movements of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are several places the two could have gone to or had meetings in the vicinity. Many of outlets sit between the hotel where they stayed and a local popular fast food chain, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Officers are analyzing CCTV footage and tracking transport records to establish their whereabouts, and that every scenario are being entertained.

Worries in the Region Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are concerned that fresh accusations of extremism could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must determine what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be properly investigated and the intel should provide transparent and factual answers without turning uncertainty into accusations against the region or its people,” he 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 tackle root causes and governance challenges that motivate the impulses behind the violence while “continue pushing for tolerance and prevent prejudice and division”.