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That was the most terrifying experience of his existence. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS strike killed 15, among them his wife's brother. A prolonged conflict between the armed forces and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi ensued.

“It cannot happen again in Davao,” Pendon says.

Nearly a decade later, the specter of IS reappears over one of the country's major cities, during global attention over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi suspects, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a masseur at the night market, heard about the Bondi incident on the television, but as with other citizens interviewed, felt mostly detached.

The 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities sits in a part of the night market, appearing out of place against the joyful environment as crowds gathered there for meals, massages and goods.

Current Probes Amid Holiday Celebrations

Examinations of the visit to the country of the father and son comes as the predominantly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a towering Christmas tree, malls 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 sightseeing, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have made clear the inquiry into their whereabouts is active and the precise reason for their visit is as yet unclear.

“It is just unfortunate that real concerns are hijacked by radicalism. Regrettably, the story of brutal violence was incorrectly tied to Mindanao’s character,” noted Karlos Manlupig, executive director of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Security History

Lorenzo is also assured that nobody could perpetrate another act of terror in the city for a long time governed by the political machine of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and infamous – was forged through tightly securing Davao through strict anti-crime and anti-drug campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand checking bags.

The national government has denied allegations that it was a base for militant training for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are limited in size and degraded.

Police Reconstruct Movements

What is evident, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two never left the city nor underwent combat training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Investigators have said they are “treating with gravity” the duo's visit in the country as they reconstruct the activities of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are several locations the two could have visited or had meetings in the area. Many of outlets sit between the GV Hotel and a nearby restaurant, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Police are reviewing security camera video and following transport records to establish their whereabouts, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with extremist groups in 2017, inhabitants are worried that renewed accusations of extremism could lead to tighter restrictions and increase prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must establish what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be carefully probed and the information should provide accurate and honest answers without turning uncertainty into blame against Mindanao or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig commended local initiatives in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism magically vanished”. He said the country must address socioeconomic factors and political factors that motivate the reasons behind the unrest while “keep advocating for understanding and steer clear of prejudice and polarization”.