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It was the scariest time of his life. Back in September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The ISIS assault killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A five-month battle between the armed forces and the militant group in the city of Marawi ensued.

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

Nine years later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the country's key cities, during international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi suspects, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, saw news of the Bondi incident on the media, but like other citizens surveyed, felt predominantly removed.

Even the 2016 blast is a bad memory he is trying to move on from. A monument for the 2016 deaths is placed in a corner of the night market, appearing out of place against the joyful mood as many people gathered there for food, massages and goods.

Ongoing Probes Amid Festive Preparations

Probes regarding the visit to the country of the pair coincides with the predominantly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have made clear the investigation into their actions is ongoing and the precise reason for their trip is as yet unclear.

“It is just a shame that valid issues are exploited by radicalism. Regrettably, the story of savage attacks was wrongly attached to Mindanao’s image,” stated Karlos Manlupig, executive director of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Security Legacy

Lorenzo is also assured that nobody could carry out another terrorist strike in the city for a long time administered by the family of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both renowned and notorious – was established by heavily policing Davao through strict anti-crime and drug war policies. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand checking bags.

The authorities has rejected claims that it was a hub for extremists for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of instability and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions establish links with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are limited in size and diminished.

Investigators Reconstruct Whereabouts

What is evident, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor underwent weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested.

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

Police say there are several locations the two could have visited or met contacts in the area. Scores of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a local restaurant, where they were known to buy their food.

Police are reviewing CCTV footage and following taxi trips to reconstruct their itinerary, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Worries in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with extremist groups in 2017, locals are anxious that fresh terrorist labels could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must find out what happened.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be thoroughly examined and the intel should provide accurate and honest answers without converting questions into accusations against the region or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig praised local initiatives in strengthening the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “it is not true that extremism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront root causes and governance challenges that drive the reasons behind the conflict while “continue pushing for tolerance and prevent prejudice and division”.