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This was the scariest experience of his existence. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a detonation at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The ISIS assault claimed 15 lives, including his brother-in-law. A five-month conflict between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi City ensued.

“It cannot happen again in Davao,” Pendon asserts.

Years later, the specter of IS once more hangs over one of the nation's major cities, during international scrutiny over the four-week stay in the city of the accused Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who makes a living as a masseur at the night market, learned of the Bondi incident on the media, but like other citizens spoken to, felt largely disconnected.

Even the 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a part of the night market, seeming out of place against the festive mood as many people gathered there for meals, massages and goods.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Christmas Celebrations

Investigations into the Philippines activities of the duo coincides with the predominantly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have made clear the investigation into their activities is continuing and the exact reason for their visit is still unclear.

“It is just a shame that real concerns are hijacked by radicalism. Unfortunately, the narrative of extreme conflict was incorrectly tied to the region's image,” noted Karlos Manlupig, leader of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is furthermore assured that no one could carry out another terrorist strike in the city long governed by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both famous and notorious – was established by aggressively securitising Davao through tough anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand searching bags.

The national government has rejected claims that it was a terrorist training ground for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and marginalization that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups still exist, security officials say they are small and weakened.

Investigators Trace Whereabouts

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

Investigators have said they are “taking seriously” the father and son's stay in the country as they piece together the activities of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are several locations the two could have visited or met contacts in the vicinity. Scores of outlets sit between the GV Hotel and a close by popular fast food chain, where they were reported to buy their food.

Detectives are analyzing security camera video and following taxi trips to reconstruct their whereabouts, and that any potential lead are being entertained.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are anxious that new accusations of extremism could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must find out what happened.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be carefully probed and the intelligence should provide accurate and honest answers without converting questions into blame against Mindanao or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig commended civic actions in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism magically vanished”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and governance challenges that motivate the impulses behind the violence while “keep advocating for tolerance and avoid prejudice and polarization”.