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It was the most frightening time of his existence. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State strike left 15 dead, including his brother-in-law. A lengthy battle between the army and the militant group in the city of Marawi ensued.

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

Nearly a decade later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the nation's largest cities, during worldwide focus over the four-week stay in the city of the alleged Bondi suspects, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, saw news of the attack on the news, but like other locals surveyed, felt mostly detached.

The 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 deaths is placed in a part of the night market, seeming out of place amidst the joyful environment as hundreds flocked there for food, massages and goods.

Active Investigations Amid Festive Celebrations

Investigations into the Philippines activities of the pair is happening while the mostly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a tall Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have stated the probe into their whereabouts is active and the precise reason for their trip is as yet unknown.

“It is unfortunate that real concerns are exploited by extremism. Sadly, the narrative of brutal violence was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s image,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety History

Lorenzo is furthermore confident that no one could perpetrate another terrorist strike in the city long governed by the political machine of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both notable and controversial – was forged through aggressively securitising Davao through tough law and order and anti-drug initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four officers stand checking bags.

The national government has pushed back against claims that it was a hub for extremists for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of instability and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are limited in size and degraded.

Police Trace Whereabouts

What is clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor obtained combat training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Investigators have said they are “taking seriously” the pair’s stay in the country as they map out the activities of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are numerous places the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the neighborhood. 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 examining CCTV footage and tracing transport records to reconstruct their whereabouts, and that all possibilities are being entertained.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are worried that fresh accusations of extremism could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must establish what took place.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be thoroughly examined and the intel should provide clear and truthful answers without turning uncertainty into accusations against the region or its people,” he said.

Manlupig lauded community efforts in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must address socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that motivate the reasons behind the violence while “continue pushing for understanding and steer clear of bias and polarization”.