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This was the most terrifying experience of his existence. In the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a detonation at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State assault claimed 15 lives, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged siege between the army and the militant group in the city of Marawi came after.

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

Years later, the specter of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, amid global attention over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi suspects, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who makes a living as a masseur at the night market, saw news of Bondi on the media, but as with other citizens spoken to, felt mostly disconnected.

Even the 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims stands in a corner of the night market, seeming mismatched amid the joyful environment as many people gathered there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Active Inquiries Amid Christmas Cheer

Probes regarding the visit to the country of the father and son coincides with the mostly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“It surprised me 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 emphasized the probe into their activities is active and the true reason for their visit is as yet uncertain.

“It is unfortunate that real concerns are exploited by radicalism. Sadly, the reputation of extreme conflict was wrongly attached to the island's image,” said Karlos Manlupig, executive director of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety History

Lorenzo is furthermore confident that no one could execute another act of terror in the city historically ruled by the political machine of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both famous and notorious – was forged through aggressively securitising Davao through tough law and order and drug war initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel 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 disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are small and weakened.

Investigators Reconstruct Activities

What is clear, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor underwent weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Law enforcement have said they are “not taking lightly” the duo's visit in the country as they piece together the activities of the father and son during their four-week stay in Davao City.

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

Police are reviewing CCTV footage and following cab rides to establish their movements, and that every scenario are being entertained.

Fears in Marawi City Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, locals are concerned that new terrorist labels could lead to heightened securitisation and deepen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must establish what happened.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be carefully probed and the intelligence should provide accurate and honest answers without converting questions into blame against its people or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig commended civic actions in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism simply disappeared”. He said the country must tackle economic and social issues and governance challenges that motivate the motivations behind the conflict while “persist in promoting tolerance and avoid bias and division”.