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This was the scariest time of his existence. Back in September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS assault left 15 dead, including his wife's brother. A prolonged siege between the army and the extremist group in the city of Marawi ensued.

“It cannot occur again in Davao,” Pendon asserts.

Nearly a decade later, the specter of IS reappears over one of the country's largest cities, during global attention over the four-week stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a massage technician at the night market, learned of Bondi on the media, but as with other locals surveyed, felt largely removed.

Even the 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 victims stands in a corner of the night market, seeming out of place against the celebratory mood as hundreds gathered there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Holiday Cheer

Probes regarding the visit to the country of the father and son comes as the predominantly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been adorned with a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are busy, 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 extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Officials have emphasized the probe into their actions is ongoing and the true reason for their trip is as yet unknown.

“It is a shame that valid issues are co-opted by terrorism. Unfortunately, the narrative of brutal violence was wrongly attached to the region's image,” stated Karlos Manlupig, executive director of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is furthermore confident that nobody could perpetrate another terrorist strike in the city long administered by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and infamous – was built on tightly securing Davao through hardline anti-crime and anti-drug campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has denied suggestions that it was a terrorist training ground for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups persist, experts say they are limited in size and weakened.

Authorities Piece Together Whereabouts

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

Law enforcement have said they are “treating with gravity” the pair’s stay in the country as they map out the movements of the suspects during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are numerous places the two could have visited or connected with associates in the area. Dozens of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a nearby popular fast food chain, where they were known to buy their meals.

Officers are reviewing security camera video and tracking cab rides to reconstruct their itinerary, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Concerns in the Region Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with extremist groups in 2017, inhabitants are worried that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and increase prejudice against Muslims.

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

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

Manlupig lauded local initiatives in improving the peace and order in Davao City but he said “it is not true that extremism simply disappeared”. He said the country must address socioeconomic factors and political factors that motivate the reasons behind the violence while “persist in promoting understanding and avoid bias and sectarianism”.