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This was the scariest experience of his life. During the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State strike killed 15, among them his wife's brother. A lengthy battle between the army and the extremist group in Marawi ensued.

“It cannot take place again in Davao,” Pendon says.

Years later, the shadow of IS once more hangs over one of the nation's major cities, amidst global attention over the four-week stay in the city of the accused Bondi suspects, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, saw news of the attack on the television, but like other locals interviewed, felt largely disconnected.

The 2016 bombing is a bad memory he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 victims is placed in a section of the night market, appearing out of place against the joyful mood as hundreds gathered there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Current Investigations Amid Christmas Preparations

Examinations of the visit to the country of the pair coincides with the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have stated the inquiry into their actions is ongoing and the precise reason for their trip is as yet uncertain.

“It is simply a shame that real concerns are hijacked by extremism. Regrettably, the reputation of savage attacks was incorrectly tied to Mindanao’s identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is furthermore confident that no one could execute another terrorist strike in the city historically administered by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both famous and notorious – was established by tightly securing Davao through strict anti-crime and drug war campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four officers stand searching bags.

The national government has denied suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of unrest and disenfranchisement that has seen some Muslim separatist groups establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are small and weakened.

Authorities Reconstruct Activities

What is clear, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor obtained weapons training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the father and son's stay in the country as they map out the movements of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are many locations the two could have visited or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Scores of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a nearby popular fast food chain, where they were known to buy their food.

Detectives are analyzing surveillance tapes and following taxi trips to establish their movements, and that any potential lead are being entertained.

Concerns in the Region Over Bias

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

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

“[The Akrams’] time here should be carefully probed and the intelligence should provide clear and truthful answers without transforming doubt into finger-pointing against Mindanao or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig lauded community efforts in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must address socioeconomic factors and political factors that motivate the motivations behind the conflict while “keep advocating for understanding and steer clear of bias and division”.