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That was the most terrifying moment of his existence. During the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State strike claimed 15 lives, among them his brother-in-law. A five-month siege between the military and the militant group in the city of Marawi followed.

“It will not occur again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Years later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ key cities, amid global attention over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi suspects, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who works as a masseur at the night market, learned of the attack on the television, but like other locals interviewed, felt predominantly disconnected.

The 2016 bombing is a traumatic event he is trying to move on from. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims stands in a corner of the night market, seeming out of place amid the festive environment as hundreds gathered there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Current Investigations Amid Holiday Cheer

Investigations into the visit to the country of the pair coincides with the mostly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, malls 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 sightseeing, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Officials have stated the investigation into their actions is continuing and the precise reason for their trip is remains unknown.

“It is just regrettable that legitimate grievances are exploited by terrorism. Regrettably, the reputation of brutal violence was unfairly glued to the region's identity,” noted Karlos Manlupig, executive director of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Safety History

Lorenzo is furthermore confident that no one could perpetrate another terror attack in the city for a long time governed by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both notable and infamous – was built on aggressively securitising Davao through hardline anti-crime and drug war policies. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four officers stand checking bags.

The authorities has denied allegations that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements forge ties with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are small and degraded.

Investigators Piece Together Activities

What is certain, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor obtained military-style training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Law enforcement have said they are “treating with gravity” the pair’s presence in the country as they piece together the actions of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are several establishments the two could have frequented or met contacts in the vicinity. Dozens of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a close by Jollibee, where they were known to buy their meals.

Officers are examining CCTV footage and following transport records to reconstruct their whereabouts, and that every scenario are being entertained.

Fears in the Region Over Stigma

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

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must find out what took place.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be carefully probed and the intelligence should provide accurate and honest answers without transforming doubt into accusations against its people or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig commended community efforts in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism simply disappeared”. He said the country must address root causes and governance challenges that drive the reasons behind the conflict while “keep advocating for acceptance and steer clear of prejudice and division”.