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That was the scariest experience of his life. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS assault killed 15, among them his wife's brother. A five-month siege between the army and the militant group in Marawi City ensued.

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

Nine years later, the shadow of IS reappears over one of the Philippines’ key cities, amid international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the accused Bondi suspects, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who works as a massage therapist at the night market, heard about the attack on the news, but similar to other residents spoken to, felt mostly removed.

The 2016 blast is a bad memory he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 deaths stands in a corner of the night market, appearing incongruous against the celebratory atmosphere as crowds came there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Active Inquiries Amid Festive Celebrations

Investigations into the time in the Philippines of the duo coincides with the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the inquiry into their activities is ongoing and the exact reason for their trip is remains uncertain.

“It is just unfortunate that valid issues are exploited by terrorism. Regrettably, the story of extreme conflict was wrongly attached to the island's character,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Policing Record

Lorenzo is additionally certain that nobody could execute another terror attack in the city for a long time ruled by the political machine of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both notable and notorious – was built on tightly securing Davao through hardline anti-crime and anti-drug campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand checking bags.

The Philippine government has pushed back against claims that it was a base for militant training for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of instability and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are small and diminished.

Police Reconstruct Whereabouts

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

Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the duo's presence in the country as they reconstruct the actions of the suspects during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are numerous establishments the two could have gone to or met contacts in the area. Dozens of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a nearby popular fast food chain, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Officers are examining security camera video and tracking cab rides to piece together their itinerary, and that every scenario are being entertained.

Fears in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are concerned that new associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and deepen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must determine what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be thoroughly examined and the intelligence should provide transparent and factual answers without turning uncertainty into blame against the region or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig lauded civic actions in improving the peace and order in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that extremism simply disappeared”. He said the country must tackle root causes and governance challenges that motivate the impulses behind the violence while “persist in promoting understanding and avoid prejudice and division”.