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That was the scariest moment of his life. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The Islamic State attack killed 15, including his wife's brother. A five-month conflict between the military and the extremist group in Marawi ensued.

“It won’t happen again in Davao,” Pendon says.

Nine years later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, amid worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi suspects, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who works as a masseur at the night market, heard about Bondi on the media, but similar to other citizens interviewed, felt mostly detached.

Even the 2016 blast is a bad memory he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 deaths is placed in a part of the night market, appearing incongruous amidst the festive mood as hundreds flocked there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Christmas Cheer

Examinations of the visit to the country of the duo is happening while the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been lit up by a tall Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have emphasized the inquiry into their activities is ongoing and the true reason for their visit is remains uncertain.

“It is just unfortunate that valid issues are exploited by radicalism. Sadly, the story of extreme conflict was wrongly attached to the region's identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, head of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Security Legacy

Lorenzo is furthermore certain that no one could execute another act of terror in the city for a long time administered by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and notorious – was built on aggressively securitising Davao through strict anti-crime and drug war campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand searching bags.

The national government has pushed back against suggestions that it was a terrorist training ground for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and marginalization that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups persist, security officials say they are small and diminished.

Authorities Reconstruct Whereabouts

What is clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor received combat training in the country, as was initially suggested.

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

Investigators say there are numerous locations the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the vicinity. Dozens of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a nearby Jollibee, where they were reported to buy their food.

Detectives are examining surveillance tapes and tracing taxi trips to establish their movements, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Fears in the Region Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are worried that fresh accusations of extremism could lead to increased security measures and deepen prejudice against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] time here should be properly investigated and the information should provide accurate and honest answers without converting questions into accusations against the region or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig praised community efforts in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront root causes and political factors that motivate the reasons behind the conflict while “persist in promoting acceptance and prevent prejudice and polarization”.