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That was the most frightening time of his existence. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS attack killed 15, among them his wife's brother. A lengthy battle between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi City followed.

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

Nearly a decade later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the country's key cities, amid international scrutiny over the four-week stay in the city of the accused 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 similar to other citizens surveyed, felt mostly disconnected.

The 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is working to forget. A monument for the 2016 victims is placed in a corner of the night market, appearing out of place amid the celebratory atmosphere as hundreds came there for food, massages and goods.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Christmas Preparations

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the father and son comes as the overwhelmingly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children knock on doors 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. Officials have made clear the probe into their actions is continuing and the true reason for their trip is remains unclear.

“It is unfortunate that valid issues are hijacked by radicalism. Regrettably, the story of brutal violence was incorrectly tied to the region's identity,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Security Legacy

Lorenzo is additionally confident that no one could perpetrate another terror attack in the city historically administered by the political machine of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and controversial – was forged through tightly securing Davao through strict anti-crime and anti-drug initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand inspecting bags.

The national government has pushed back against suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some Muslim separatist groups form alliances with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are small and weakened.

Authorities Piece Together Activities

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

Police have said they are “not taking lightly” the duo's presence in the country as they piece together the activities of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are numerous establishments the two could have visited or met contacts in the vicinity. Many of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a nearby Jollibee, where they were known to buy their food.

Detectives are analyzing security camera video and tracing transport records to establish their movements, and that all possibilities are being considered.

Worries in the Region Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are worried that new associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must establish what took place.

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

Manlupig commended civic actions in strengthening the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “it is not true that terrorism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront root causes and political factors that fuel the impulses behind the conflict while “continue pushing for tolerance and avoid discrimination and polarization”.