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This was the most terrifying experience of his existence. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a detonation at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State assault killed 15, among them his wife's brother. A lengthy battle between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi City followed.

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

Nearly a decade later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the nation's major cities, during international scrutiny over the four-week stay in the city of the alleged Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who makes a living as a masseur at the night market, learned of the attack on the television, but as with other locals surveyed, felt predominantly removed.

Even the 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is working to forget. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims is placed in a corner of the night market, seeming out of place amidst the celebratory atmosphere as many people flocked there for food, massages and goods.

Current Investigations Amid Festive Celebrations

Examinations of the visit to the country of the pair coincides with the predominantly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been adorned with a tall Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have made clear the probe into their activities is ongoing and the precise reason for their visit is still uncertain.

“It is unfortunate that real concerns are co-opted by terrorism. Unfortunately, the story of brutal violence was unfairly glued to the island's identity,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is furthermore certain that nobody could perpetrate another terrorist strike in the city for a long time ruled by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both notable and infamous – was established by aggressively securitising Davao through tough law and order and drug war policies. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has rejected allegations that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some Muslim separatist groups form alliances with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups still exist, experts say they are small and diminished.

Police Piece Together Activities

What is certain, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two never left the city nor received combat training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Law enforcement have said they are “taking seriously” the father and son's stay in the country as they reconstruct the actions of the father and son during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are several locations the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Scores of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a local Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Officers are reviewing security camera video and tracing transport records to establish their movements, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Concerns in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are anxious that fresh terrorist labels could lead to increased security measures and increase bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must determine what transpired.

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

Manlupig praised local initiatives in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront root causes and political factors that drive the motivations behind the violence while “keep advocating for understanding and prevent prejudice and sectarianism”.