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That was the most terrifying moment of his existence. Back in September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS attack left 15 dead, including his brother-in-law. A five-month siege between the armed forces and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi came after.

“It will not happen again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Years later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the country's largest cities, amidst worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the suspected Bondi suspects, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who works as a massage technician at the night market, saw news of the Bondi incident on the media, but like other citizens spoken to, felt mostly disconnected.

The 2016 blast is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities stands in a section of the night market, appearing incongruous amid the celebratory mood as many people came there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Active Inquiries Amid Holiday Celebrations

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the duo comes as the mostly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been adorned with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, 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 violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have made clear the inquiry into their activities is ongoing and the true reason for their stay is remains unclear.

“It is simply unfortunate that legitimate grievances are exploited by terrorism. Regrettably, the reputation of brutal violence was unfairly glued to the island's character,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is additionally certain that nobody could carry out another terrorist strike in the city long governed by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both notable and notorious – was established by heavily policing Davao through tough law and order and drug war campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has denied claims that it was a terrorist training ground for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of instability and disenfranchisement that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are small and weakened.

Police Piece Together Activities

What is clear, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor underwent military-style training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Investigators have said they are “not taking lightly” the duo's stay in the country as they map out the actions of the suspects during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Police say there are several places the two could have gone to or met contacts in the neighborhood. Many of outlets sit between the hotel where they stayed and a nearby Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Officers are analyzing surveillance tapes and following cab rides to piece together their itinerary, and that any potential lead are being explored.

Worries in Marawi Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with IS-linked militants in 2017, residents are worried that renewed accusations of extremism could lead to increased security measures and worsen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must determine what took place.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be carefully probed and the intel should provide transparent and factual answers without transforming doubt into finger-pointing against Mindanao or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig lauded community efforts in improving the peace and order in Davao City but he said “it is not true that extremism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that motivate the motivations behind the violence while “continue pushing for acceptance and avoid discrimination and division”.