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It was the most frightening experience of his life. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State assault claimed 15 lives, including his wife's brother. A prolonged conflict between the armed forces and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi ensued.

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

Nearly a decade later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ key cities, amid international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the accused Bondi suspects, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, saw news of Bondi on the news, but similar to other locals interviewed, felt largely detached.

Even the 2016 attack is a bad memory he is working to forget. A remembrance marker for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a part of the night market, looking mismatched amid the celebratory environment as crowds gathered there for food, massages and goods.

Active Inquiries Amid Holiday Cheer

Examinations of the time in the Philippines of the father and son coincides with the predominantly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Officials have emphasized the probe into their activities is active and the precise reason for their trip is still unknown.

“It is simply a shame that valid issues are hijacked by extremism. Sadly, the reputation of brutal violence was unfairly glued to the region's character,” said Karlos Manlupig, head of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Safety Record

Lorenzo is also assured that no one could perpetrate another terror attack in the city long administered by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both notable and controversial – was established by aggressively securitising Davao through tough law and order and anti-drug initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand checking bags.

The Philippine government has rejected claims that it was a hub for extremists for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of conflict and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are small and degraded.

Police Reconstruct Whereabouts

What is clear, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two never left the city nor underwent combat training in the country, as was previously alleged.

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

Investigators say there are many establishments the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the area. Many of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a local Jollibee, where they were reported to buy their food.

Police are reviewing security camera video and tracing taxi trips to establish their itinerary, and that all possibilities are being entertained.

Worries in Marawi City Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are worried that fresh terrorist labels could lead to increased security measures and worsen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must find out what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be thoroughly examined and the intel should provide clear and truthful answers without converting questions into finger-pointing against Mindanao or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig lauded local initiatives in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle root causes and political factors that drive the impulses behind the violence while “keep advocating for tolerance and prevent bias and division”.