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This was the scariest moment of his life. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS strike killed 15, among them his brother-in-law. A lengthy battle between the army and the militant group in Marawi City ensued.

“It will not occur again in Davao,” Pendon says.

Nearly a decade later, the shadow of IS once more hangs over one of the country's largest cities, during international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi suspects, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, learned of Bondi on the media, but as with other residents spoken to, felt predominantly removed.

Even the 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A memorial for the 2016 deaths stands in a corner of the night market, seeming out of place against the celebratory atmosphere as many people came there for food, massages and goods.

Active Inquiries Amid Christmas Cheer

Investigations into the Philippines activities of the father and son comes as the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are busy, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have stated the inquiry into their activities is active and the true reason for their trip is remains uncertain.

“It is unfortunate that real concerns are exploited by radicalism. Unfortunately, the narrative of brutal violence was incorrectly tied to the region's identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety History

Lorenzo is additionally assured that nobody could execute another terrorist strike in the city for a long time administered by the political machine of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and infamous – was built on heavily policing Davao through tough law and order and drug war initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand searching bags.

The authorities has rejected allegations that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups persist, authorities say they are limited in size and diminished.

Investigators Trace Movements

What is clear, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor obtained combat training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Investigators have said they are “treating with gravity” the pair’s presence in the country as they piece together the actions of the father and son during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are many places the two could have frequented or met contacts in the vicinity. Dozens of outlets sit between the hotel where they stayed and a nearby popular fast food chain, where they were known to buy their meals.

Detectives are analyzing security camera video and following cab rides to establish their itinerary, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Fears in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with extremist groups in 2017, residents are anxious that new associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and increase prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must determine what happened.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be carefully probed and the intel should provide clear and truthful answers without converting questions into blame against its people or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig lauded civic actions in improving the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “it is not true that terrorism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront economic and social issues and political factors that motivate the reasons behind the unrest while “keep advocating for understanding and steer clear of prejudice and sectarianism”.