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This was the scariest time of his life. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State attack killed 15, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged siege between the armed forces and the extremist group in Marawi City came after.

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

Nine years later, the specter of IS reappears over one of the Philippines’ major cities, amidst international scrutiny over the month-long stay in the city of the alleged Bondi suspects, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who works as a massage therapist at the night market, learned of the attack on the television, but like other locals interviewed, felt largely removed.

The 2016 bombing is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 victims sits in a corner of the night market, appearing out of place amidst the celebratory mood as crowds came there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Current Inquiries Amid Holiday Preparations

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the duo comes as the predominantly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“It surprised me 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. Authorities have made clear the probe into their actions is continuing and the exact reason for their stay is remains unknown.

“It is unfortunate that real concerns are co-opted by radicalism. Sadly, the narrative of brutal violence was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s identity,” said Karlos Manlupig, head of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Safety Record

Lorenzo is also confident that nobody could execute another terror attack in the city historically administered by the family of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both renowned and notorious – was built on tightly securing Davao through tough anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has rejected allegations that it was a terrorist training ground for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of instability and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups still exist, security officials say they are limited in size and degraded.

Police Trace Whereabouts

What is certain, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor received weapons training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Police have said they are “taking seriously” the pair’s visit in the country as they piece together the activities of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are numerous locations the two could have visited or met contacts in the area. Many of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a nearby Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their food.

Officers are examining surveillance tapes and following cab rides to establish their movements, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Fears in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with extremist groups in 2017, residents are worried that new accusations of extremism could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must find out what happened.

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

Manlupig praised local initiatives in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism magically vanished”. He said the country must tackle root causes and political factors that motivate the impulses behind the conflict while “persist in promoting understanding and prevent discrimination and sectarianism”.