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This was the most frightening experience of his life. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS attack killed 15, among them his wife's brother. A prolonged conflict between the military and the militant group in Marawi City came after.

“It won’t take place again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Years later, the specter of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, amid global attention over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi suspects, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a masseur at the night market, heard about Bondi on the media, but like other citizens spoken to, felt largely detached.

Even the 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 victims is placed in a section of the night market, looking incongruous amidst the celebratory atmosphere as hundreds flocked there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Current Probes Amid Festive Preparations

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the duo is happening while the mostly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are busy, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have made clear the investigation into their actions is continuing and the true reason for their stay is still uncertain.

“It is unfortunate that legitimate grievances are co-opted by terrorism. Regrettably, the reputation of savage attacks was unfairly glued to the region's image,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Policing Record

Lorenzo is also certain that nobody could carry out another act of terror in the city historically governed by the political machine of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both famous and infamous – was forged through aggressively securitising Davao through hardline law and order and anti-drug initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand checking bags.

The Philippine government has rejected claims that it was a terrorist training ground for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some Muslim separatist groups form alliances with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups persist, authorities say they are limited in size and degraded.

Authorities Trace Activities

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

Investigators have said they are “not taking lightly” the father and son's stay in the country as they map out the activities of the suspects during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are many establishments the two could have frequented or had meetings in the vicinity. Scores of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a nearby restaurant, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Police are examining security camera video and tracing transport records to reconstruct their movements, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Fears in Marawi City Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are worried that fresh accusations of extremism could lead to increased security measures and deepen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must establish what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be carefully probed and the information should provide clear and truthful answers without turning uncertainty into blame against its people or its people,” he said.

Manlupig commended local initiatives in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that extremism magically vanished”. He said the country must tackle root causes and governance challenges that fuel the reasons behind the unrest while “continue pushing for tolerance and avoid prejudice and division”.