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That was the most terrifying moment of his existence. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State strike left 15 dead, including his brother-in-law. A lengthy conflict between the armed forces and the jihadist group in Marawi followed.

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

Nearly a decade later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ major cities, during worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, heard about Bondi on the television, but like other citizens surveyed, felt largely removed.

The 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 fatalities sits in a section of the night market, appearing incongruous against the festive environment as many people came there for food, massages and trinkets.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Festive Celebrations

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the duo is happening while the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been decorated with a tall Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have emphasized the probe into their whereabouts is active and the true reason for their stay is as yet unknown.

“It is simply regrettable that legitimate grievances are co-opted by extremism. Sadly, the narrative of brutal violence was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s identity,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Policing Legacy

Lorenzo is furthermore certain that nobody could execute another terror attack in the city historically administered by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both famous and infamous – was built on tightly securing Davao through hardline anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand checking bags.

The national government has pushed back against claims that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements forge ties with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups still exist, security officials say they are small and degraded.

Authorities Trace Activities

What is evident, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor underwent military-style training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Law enforcement have said they are “treating with gravity” the father and son's stay in the country as they reconstruct the activities of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are several establishments the two could have frequented or met contacts in the neighborhood. Scores of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a nearby restaurant, where they were known to buy their meals.

Detectives are reviewing security camera video and following taxi trips to piece together their itinerary, and that any potential lead are being entertained.

Concerns in the Region Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with extremist groups in 2017, locals are concerned that new terrorist labels could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must establish what happened.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be properly investigated and the intelligence should provide accurate and honest answers without converting questions into accusations against its people or its people,” he said.

Manlupig praised community efforts in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that radicalism simply disappeared”. He said the country must address root causes and governance challenges that drive the reasons behind the conflict while “keep advocating for understanding and steer clear of bias and polarization”.