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This was the scariest experience of his life. Back in the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State attack claimed 15 lives, including his wife's brother. A prolonged battle between the armed forces and the militant group in the city of Marawi ensued.

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

Nine years later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the nation's major cities, amid international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi suspects, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who works as a massage technician at the night market, saw news of the Bondi incident on the television, but similar to other citizens surveyed, felt mostly disconnected.

The 2016 bombing is a bad memory he is trying to move on from. A remembrance marker for the 2016 deaths is placed in a part of the night market, looking incongruous amidst the festive atmosphere as hundreds came there for meals, massages and goods.

Active Investigations Amid Festive Preparations

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the pair coincides with the predominantly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated 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 travel, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have stated the investigation into their whereabouts is active and the precise reason for their trip is still uncertain.

“It is simply regrettable that legitimate grievances are exploited by radicalism. Regrettably, the story of brutal violence was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s character,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Security Legacy

Lorenzo is additionally assured that no one could execute another terror attack in the city for a long time ruled by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both famous and infamous – was forged through aggressively securitising Davao through tough anti-crime and anti-drug initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four officers stand checking bags.

The national government has rejected claims that it was a hub for extremists for the accused 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 persist, security officials say they are limited in size and diminished.

Authorities Piece Together Movements

What is clear, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor obtained military-style training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

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

Authorities say there are several places the two could have visited or had meetings in the neighborhood. Dozens of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a local Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their food.

Officers are examining surveillance tapes and following cab rides to piece together their movements, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Fears in the Region Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with IS-linked militants in 2017, locals are concerned that new terrorist labels could lead to increased security measures and deepen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must establish what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be thoroughly examined and the information should provide transparent and factual answers without transforming doubt into accusations against its people or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig lauded community efforts in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle economic and social issues and political factors that fuel the reasons behind the violence while “keep advocating for acceptance and avoid bias and sectarianism”.