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That was the most terrifying experience of his existence. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State strike claimed 15 lives, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged battle between the armed forces and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi followed.

“It cannot occur again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Nine years later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ major cities, during global attention over the month-long stay in the city of the suspected Bondi suspects, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who makes a living as a masseur at the night market, saw news of Bondi on the news, but as with other residents interviewed, felt mostly removed.

Even the 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 victims is placed in a section of the night market, looking out of place amidst the festive environment as hundreds came there for food, massages and goods.

Active Investigations Amid Holiday Cheer

Examinations of the visit to the country of the father and son coincides with the mostly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a large 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 sightseeing, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have made clear the inquiry into their whereabouts is ongoing and the true reason for their trip is as yet uncertain.

“It is regrettable that valid issues are exploited by radicalism. Unfortunately, the story of extreme conflict was wrongly attached to Mindanao’s identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Safety History

Lorenzo is furthermore confident that nobody could execute another act of terror in the city historically administered by the political machine of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both renowned and notorious – was established by aggressively securitising Davao through hardline law and order and anti-drug campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand inspecting bags.

The national government has pushed back against claims that it was a terrorist training ground for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some Muslim separatist groups establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are small and diminished.

Authorities Reconstruct Whereabouts

What is certain, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor underwent combat training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Investigators have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's presence in the country as they map out the actions of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are many establishments the two could have gone to or connected with associates in the area. Dozens of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a close by restaurant, where they were known to buy their meals.

Police are reviewing security camera video and tracking taxi trips to reconstruct their whereabouts, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Concerns in the Region Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are worried that new terrorist labels could lead to heightened securitisation and increase discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must find out what happened.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be properly investigated and the information should provide clear and truthful answers without converting questions into finger-pointing against Mindanao or its people,” he said.

Manlupig commended community efforts in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that radicalism simply disappeared”. He said the country must address root causes and governance challenges that fuel the reasons behind the conflict while “continue pushing for acceptance and avoid prejudice and division”.