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It was the most frightening moment of his life. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS assault killed 15, including his wife's brother. A prolonged battle between the military and the militant group in the city of Marawi ensued.

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

Years later, the specter of IS reappears over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, during international scrutiny over the month-long stay in the city of the alleged Bondi suspects, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, learned of Bondi on the news, but as with other residents surveyed, felt largely removed.

Even the 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A monument for the 2016 victims stands in a section of the night market, appearing incongruous against the celebratory mood as many people flocked there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Festive Cheer

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the pair coincides with the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have emphasized the inquiry into their whereabouts is continuing and the exact reason for their stay is remains uncertain.

“It is simply regrettable that real concerns are co-opted by terrorism. Regrettably, the reputation of brutal violence was unfairly glued to the region's identity,” said Karlos Manlupig, head of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Security Record

Lorenzo is furthermore confident that nobody could carry out another terror attack in the city long administered by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both famous and notorious – was established by heavily policing Davao through tough anti-crime and anti-drug initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand checking bags.

The national government has denied allegations that it was a base for militant training for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups persist, security officials say they are limited in size and degraded.

Investigators Trace Activities

What is evident, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor obtained weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Police have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's visit in the country as they piece together the actions of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are several establishments the two could have gone to or connected with associates in the area. Scores of outlets sit between the GV Hotel and a nearby popular fast food chain, where they were known to buy their meals.

Detectives are examining CCTV footage and following taxi trips to piece together their itinerary, and that all possibilities are being entertained.

Worries in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with extremist groups in 2017, locals are concerned that new associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and increase prejudice against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] time here should be properly investigated and the intel should provide transparent and factual answers without converting questions into accusations against its people or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig commended community efforts in improving the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and political factors that motivate the motivations behind the unrest while “persist in promoting understanding and avoid bias and polarization”.