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That was the most terrifying experience of his existence. During the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State assault left 15 dead, among them his brother-in-law. A lengthy conflict between the armed forces and the jihadist group in Marawi City ensued.

“It will not take place again in Davao,” Pendon says.

Nine years later, the shadow of IS reappears over one of the nation's largest cities, amid international scrutiny over the four-week stay in the city of the alleged Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, saw news of the Bondi incident on the television, but like other residents spoken to, felt predominantly removed.

Even the 2016 attack is a bad memory he is trying to move on from. A monument for the 2016 deaths is placed in a corner of the night market, seeming out of place against the celebratory mood as many people flocked there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Current Probes Amid Festive Cheer

Probes regarding the visit to the country of the pair comes as the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a tall Christmas tree, malls are packed, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was surprised 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. The government have emphasized the investigation into their actions is ongoing and the precise reason for their trip is remains unknown.

“It is simply a shame that real concerns are co-opted by extremism. Regrettably, the narrative of extreme conflict was incorrectly tied to the region's character,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is also certain that no one could execute another terror attack in the city historically ruled by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both renowned and notorious – was established by tightly securing Davao through strict anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand checking bags.

The national government has rejected allegations that it was a terrorist training ground for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of instability and disenfranchisement that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are limited in size and weakened.

Police Trace Movements

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

Investigators have said they are “treating with gravity” the father and son's visit in the country as they piece together the activities of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are several locations the two could have visited or met contacts in the neighborhood. Scores of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a nearby restaurant, where they were known to buy their meals.

Officers are examining CCTV footage and tracking cab rides to reconstruct their movements, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Concerns in the Region Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with extremist groups in 2017, residents are concerned that new terrorist labels could lead to increased security measures and increase prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must find out what took place.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be properly investigated and the intel should provide accurate and honest answers without transforming doubt into blame against the region or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig commended civic actions in strengthening the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism magically vanished”. He said the country must tackle economic and social issues and political factors that fuel the motivations behind the violence while “continue pushing for acceptance and steer clear of discrimination and polarization”.