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That was the most frightening time of his existence. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The ISIS attack left 15 dead, including his wife's brother. A five-month battle between the armed forces and the jihadist group in Marawi City followed.

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

Nine years later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the nation's largest cities, amidst worldwide focus over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, saw news of the Bondi incident on the news, but like other citizens spoken to, felt predominantly removed.

The 2016 blast is a painful recollection he is working to forget. A monument for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a corner of the night market, looking mismatched amidst the celebratory mood as many people flocked there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Active Probes Amid Christmas Celebrations

Probes regarding the visit to the country of the pair comes as the overwhelmingly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have stated the inquiry into their whereabouts is ongoing and the exact reason for their stay is remains uncertain.

“It is simply a shame that valid issues are exploited by extremism. Sadly, the narrative of brutal violence was incorrectly tied to Mindanao’s character,” noted Karlos Manlupig, executive director of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Safety History

Lorenzo is also certain that nobody could carry out another terrorist strike in the city long ruled by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and notorious – 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 officers stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has pushed back against claims that it was a terrorist training ground for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, security officials say they are limited in size and weakened.

Authorities Piece Together Whereabouts

What is clear, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor obtained military-style training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

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

Authorities say there are numerous places the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Dozens of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a close by popular fast food chain, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Officers are analyzing surveillance tapes and tracing cab rides to reconstruct their movements, and that any potential lead are being entertained.

Concerns in the Region Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are worried that new accusations of extremism could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must find out what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be carefully probed and the intel should provide clear and truthful answers without turning uncertainty into finger-pointing against its people or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig lauded community efforts in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “it is not true that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront economic and social issues and political factors that fuel the reasons behind the conflict while “continue pushing for acceptance and prevent discrimination and division”.