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That was the scariest experience of his life. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State attack claimed 15 lives, including his brother-in-law. A five-month conflict between the military and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi came after.

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

Nine years later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, amidst international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi beach shooters, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who works as a massage therapist at the night market, learned of the attack on the media, but like other locals surveyed, 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 section of the night market, appearing out of place amidst the celebratory atmosphere as crowds came there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Current Inquiries Amid Holiday Celebrations

Examinations of the visit to the country of the duo coincides with the mostly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, malls are busy, 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, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have stated the inquiry into their activities is ongoing and the exact reason for their trip is remains uncertain.

“It is regrettable that real concerns are co-opted by extremism. Sadly, the narrative of savage attacks was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s identity,” noted Karlos Manlupig, head of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Safety Record

Lorenzo is also confident that nobody could execute another terror attack in the city for a long time ruled by the political machine of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both notable and infamous – was built on heavily policing Davao through hardline anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand searching bags.

The authorities has rejected allegations that it was a base for militant training for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of unrest and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups persist, authorities say they are limited in size and weakened.

Police Piece Together Whereabouts

What is certain, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor underwent combat training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Law enforcement have said they are “treating with gravity” the duo's visit in the country as they piece together the movements of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are many locations the two could have gone to or had meetings in the neighborhood. Many of outlets sit between the hotel where they stayed and a nearby Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their food.

Officers are reviewing CCTV footage and following transport records to reconstruct their movements, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Worries in Marawi City Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with IS-linked militants in 2017, locals are anxious that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and increase prejudice against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] visit should be carefully probed and the information should provide accurate and honest answers without turning uncertainty into accusations against Mindanao or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig lauded community efforts in strengthening the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “it is not true that radicalism magically vanished”. He said the country must tackle socioeconomic factors and political factors that motivate the reasons behind the violence while “persist in promoting tolerance and prevent discrimination and division”.