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That was the scariest moment of his existence. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State attack killed 15, among them his wife's brother. A five-month siege between the armed forces and the extremist group in Marawi ensued.

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

Years later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the nation's largest cities, during worldwide focus over the four-week stay in the city of the accused Bondi suspects, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, heard about Bondi on the media, but as with other locals spoken to, felt largely removed.

Even the 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is working to forget. A monument for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a corner of the night market, looking out of place against the joyful environment as hundreds flocked there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Ongoing Probes Amid Christmas Cheer

Examinations of the visit to the country of the father and son is happening while the predominantly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, 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 unclear.

“It is unfortunate that valid issues are exploited by terrorism. Unfortunately, the narrative of savage attacks was wrongly attached to the region's character,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Policing Legacy

Lorenzo is also certain that nobody could carry out another act of terror in the city long ruled by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and notorious – was built on heavily policing Davao through hardline anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at least four officers 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 complicated background of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements forge ties with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are limited in size and diminished.

Investigators Piece Together Activities

What is clear, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor underwent military-style training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Police have said they are “taking seriously” the father and son's presence in the country as they map out the movements of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are many establishments the two could have visited or had meetings in the vicinity. Dozens of businesses sit between the hotel where they stayed and a local Jollibee, where they were reported to buy their food.

Detectives are analyzing CCTV footage and tracking taxi trips to reconstruct their itinerary, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Worries in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with extremist groups in 2017, locals are concerned that fresh accusations of extremism could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must determine what happened.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be properly investigated and the information should provide accurate and honest answers without turning uncertainty into finger-pointing against the region or its people,” he said.

Manlupig lauded local initiatives 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 root causes and governance challenges that fuel the reasons behind the violence while “keep advocating for tolerance and steer clear of prejudice and division”.