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That was the scariest moment of his existence. Back in the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The ISIS assault left 15 dead, including his brother-in-law. A five-month siege between the armed forces and the jihadist group in Marawi ensued.

“It won’t occur again in Davao,” Pendon asserts.

Nine years later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, during worldwide focus over the four-week stay in the city of the alleged Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who makes a living as a masseur at the night market, learned of Bondi on the news, but like other citizens interviewed, felt predominantly disconnected.

Even the 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is working to forget. A remembrance marker for the 2016 deaths is placed in a corner of the night market, looking incongruous against the joyful atmosphere as crowds flocked there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Christmas Preparations

Investigations into the visit to the country of the pair comes as the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children knock on doors 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, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have made clear the inquiry into their activities is continuing and the true reason for their trip is remains unclear.

“It is just unfortunate that valid issues are hijacked by radicalism. Regrettably, the reputation of savage attacks was incorrectly tied to the island's image,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is additionally certain that nobody could perpetrate another terrorist strike in the city long administered by the political machine of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both famous and infamous – was established by heavily policing Davao through hardline law and order and drug war policies. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand searching bags.

The national government has rejected allegations that it was a terrorist training ground for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of unrest and marginalization that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups still exist, experts say they are small and degraded.

Police Piece Together Activities

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

Police have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's visit in the country as they reconstruct the actions of the suspects during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are several places the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the area. Dozens of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a nearby Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their food.

Officers are reviewing CCTV footage and following taxi trips to piece together their whereabouts, and that all possibilities are being considered.

Fears in the Region Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with extremist groups in 2017, inhabitants are concerned that fresh associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and worsen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must determine what took place.

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

Manlupig praised civic actions in strengthening the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that drive the reasons behind the violence while “keep advocating for tolerance and steer clear of discrimination and sectarianism”.