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That was the most frightening experience of his existence. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State assault killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A prolonged conflict between the army and the extremist group in Marawi City ensued.

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

Years later, the specter of IS once more hangs over one of the country's major cities, amidst international scrutiny over the month-long 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, learned of the Bondi incident on the television, but like other locals spoken to, felt mostly detached.

The 2016 attack is a bad memory he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities stands in a part of the night market, appearing incongruous amid the joyful mood as hundreds came there for food, massages and trinkets.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Festive Celebrations

Probes regarding the time in the Philippines of the pair comes as the predominantly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been decorated with a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are busy, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“It surprised me 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. Authorities have stated the probe into their actions is ongoing and the precise reason for their stay is remains unknown.

“It is just unfortunate that valid issues are exploited by extremism. Regrettably, the narrative of brutal violence was incorrectly tied to the island's identity,” said Karlos Manlupig, executive director of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Security Record

Lorenzo is additionally confident that nobody could execute another terror attack in the city historically administered by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and infamous – was established by tightly securing Davao through tough law and order and drug war initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand inspecting bags.

The national government has denied claims that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of instability and marginalization that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are small and weakened.

Authorities Reconstruct Movements

What is certain, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor obtained weapons training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

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

Police say there are numerous establishments the two could have gone to or met contacts in the vicinity. Dozens of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a nearby restaurant, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Officers are analyzing CCTV footage and tracing transport records to establish their movements, and that any potential lead are being entertained.

Worries in Marawi City Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are concerned that new terrorist labels could lead to tighter restrictions and increase prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must determine what happened.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be carefully probed and the intel should provide accurate and honest answers without transforming doubt into accusations against its people or its people,” he said.

Manlupig lauded civic actions in strengthening the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that radicalism simply disappeared”. He said the country must address socioeconomic factors and political factors that drive the motivations behind the conflict while “keep advocating for tolerance and prevent prejudice and division”.