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This was the most frightening experience of his existence. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS assault killed 15, among them his wife's brother. A lengthy siege between the army and the extremist group in Marawi City ensued.

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

Nine years later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the Philippines’ key cities, during global attention over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi suspects, the Akrams, father and son.

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

Even the 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is working to forget. A monument for the 2016 victims sits in a corner of the night market, seeming out of place amidst the celebratory mood as crowds gathered there for food, massages and trinkets.

Current Probes Amid Christmas Cheer

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the duo coincides with the mostly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have emphasized the investigation into their actions is ongoing and the precise reason for their stay is remains uncertain.

“It is regrettable that real concerns are exploited by extremism. Unfortunately, the reputation of brutal violence was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s character,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Safety History

Lorenzo is additionally certain that nobody could execute another terror attack in the city long governed by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both notable and controversial – was established by heavily policing Davao through strict anti-crime and anti-drug campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four officers stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has rejected suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of unrest and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions establish links with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are limited in size and weakened.

Police Trace Whereabouts

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

Police have said they are “not taking lightly” the father and son's stay in the country as they map out the actions of the father and son during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Police say there are many establishments the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Many of outlets sit between the GV Hotel and a close by restaurant, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Police are reviewing surveillance tapes and tracing cab rides to piece together their itinerary, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Worries in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with IS-linked militants in 2017, locals are concerned that fresh accusations of extremism could lead to increased security measures and increase prejudice against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] time here should be carefully probed and the intel should provide clear and truthful answers without turning uncertainty into blame against its people or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig commended community efforts in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism simply disappeared”. He said the country must tackle socioeconomic factors and political factors that fuel the impulses behind the violence while “keep advocating for acceptance and steer clear of bias and division”.