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That was the most frightening time of his existence. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The IS attack killed 15, among them his wife's brother. A five-month conflict between the armed forces and the jihadist group in Marawi ensued.

“It won’t take place again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Years later, the shadow of IS reappears over one of the Philippines’ major cities, during worldwide focus over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi beach shooters, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who works as a massage therapist at the night market, learned of Bondi on the media, but like other citizens spoken to, felt mostly disconnected.

The 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims stands in a section of the night market, appearing mismatched amid the celebratory environment as many people flocked there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Active Inquiries Amid Christmas Preparations

Investigations into the time in the Philippines of the pair is happening while the mostly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have emphasized the investigation into their activities is ongoing and the precise reason for their visit is remains uncertain.

“It is just a shame that legitimate grievances are hijacked by extremism. Sadly, the story of brutal violence was unfairly glued to the region's identity,” noted Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is additionally certain that no one could execute another act of terror in the city for a long time governed by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both notable and notorious – was established by aggressively securitising Davao through hardline anti-crime and anti-drug initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand searching bags.

The authorities has denied claims that it was a base for militant training for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of conflict and marginalisation that has seen some Muslim separatist groups forge ties with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups still exist, experts say they are small and degraded.

Police Trace Activities

What is evident, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor received weapons training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Police have said they are “not taking lightly” the duo's visit in the country as they map out the movements of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are numerous locations the two could have visited or connected with associates in the vicinity. Dozens of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a local popular fast food chain, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Detectives are analyzing security camera video and tracking transport records to establish their whereabouts, and that every scenario are being entertained.

Concerns in Marawi Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, residents are concerned that renewed terrorist labels could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must establish what took place.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be properly investigated and the information should provide clear and truthful answers without turning uncertainty into accusations against the region or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig commended civic actions in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle root causes and political factors that motivate the impulses behind the unrest while “continue pushing for understanding and prevent discrimination and polarization”.