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It was the most frightening time of his existence. In 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a detonation at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State assault claimed 15 lives, among them his wife's brother. A five-month conflict between the armed forces and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi came after.

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

Years later, the shadow of IS once more hangs over one of the country's key cities, during international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the accused Bondi suspects, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, heard about the Bondi incident on the news, but like other citizens interviewed, felt largely detached.

The 2016 bombing is a bad memory he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 deaths is placed in a part of the night market, appearing out of place amid the festive environment as crowds flocked there for meals, massages and goods.

Active Inquiries Amid Festive Celebrations

Investigations into the visit to the country of the father and son coincides with the mostly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been adorned with a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are busy, 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 terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have stated the inquiry into their whereabouts is ongoing and the precise reason for their visit is as yet unclear.

“It is simply regrettable that real concerns are hijacked by terrorism. Sadly, the reputation of extreme conflict was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s image,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety Record

Lorenzo is additionally confident that no one could perpetrate another terror attack in the city long administered by the family of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both notable and infamous – was built on heavily policing Davao through tough law and order and anti-drug campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand inspecting bags.

The national government has pushed back against suggestions that it was a terrorist training ground for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of instability and marginalization that has seen some Muslim separatist groups forge ties with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups persist, security officials say they are small and diminished.

Investigators Reconstruct Movements

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

Investigators have said they are “treating with gravity” the father and son's presence in the country as they map out the movements of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are several places the two could have frequented or had meetings in the area. Dozens of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a local restaurant, where they were reported to buy their food.

Officers are analyzing security camera video and tracking cab rides to piece together their movements, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Worries in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with IS-linked militants in 2017, residents are anxious that new accusations of extremism could lead to increased security measures and deepen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must determine what took place.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be thoroughly examined and the intel should provide clear and truthful answers without transforming doubt into blame against Mindanao or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig commended civic actions in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that terrorism magically vanished”. He said the country must address socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that motivate the reasons behind the conflict while “persist in promoting acceptance and steer clear of prejudice and sectarianism”.