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It was the most terrifying experience of his life. In the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The IS assault killed 15, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged conflict between the armed forces and the extremist group in Marawi City ensued.

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

Years later, the threat of IS again looms over one of the country's key cities, during global attention over the four-week stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, heard about the attack on the news, but similar to other citizens interviewed, felt predominantly detached.

Even the 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims is placed in a part of the night market, appearing incongruous amidst the celebratory atmosphere as hundreds came there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Holiday Cheer

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the pair comes as the mostly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been adorned with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are busy, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was taken aback 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. Authorities have stated the inquiry into their actions is ongoing and the precise reason for their visit is as yet unknown.

“It is just a shame that valid issues are exploited by terrorism. Sadly, the reputation of brutal violence was unfairly glued to the island's identity,” said Karlos Manlupig, head of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety History

Lorenzo is also certain that nobody could perpetrate another terrorist strike in the city for a long time administered by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both renowned and notorious – was forged through heavily policing Davao through strict anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has denied claims that it was a hub for extremists for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and marginalization that has seen some Muslim separatist groups forge ties with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are limited in size and weakened.

Investigators Reconstruct Whereabouts

What is evident, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor obtained weapons training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Law enforcement have said they are “not taking lightly” the duo's stay in the country as they piece together the activities of the father and son during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Police say there are numerous establishments the two could have visited or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Dozens of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a nearby Jollibee, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Officers are examining security camera video and tracking cab rides to piece together their whereabouts, and that every scenario are being explored.

Fears in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with extremist groups in 2017, inhabitants are concerned that new accusations of extremism could lead to tighter restrictions and deepen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must establish what happened.

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

Manlupig lauded community efforts in strengthening the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle root causes and governance challenges that motivate the impulses behind the conflict while “keep advocating for understanding and avoid prejudice and division”.