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This was the scariest experience of his life. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS assault claimed 15 lives, among them his brother-in-law. A lengthy conflict between the army and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi followed.

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

Nine years later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, during international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi beach shooters, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who is a a massage technician at the night market, saw news of the attack on the media, but as with other locals spoken to, felt mostly disconnected.

Even the 2016 attack is a bad memory he is working to forget. A monument for the 2016 deaths is placed in a section of the night market, looking out of place amid the festive mood as hundreds came there for food, massages and trinkets.

Active Probes Amid Christmas Celebrations

Investigations into the visit to the country of the duo is happening while the mostly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are busy, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“It surprised me 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. Officials have stated the probe into their actions is continuing and the exact reason for their stay is remains unknown.

“It is simply a shame that legitimate grievances are hijacked by terrorism. Unfortunately, the story of extreme conflict was incorrectly tied to the island's identity,” noted Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Safety Record

Lorenzo is additionally certain that no one could carry out another terror attack in the city long governed by the clan of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and notorious – was forged through heavily policing Davao through strict law and order and anti-drug initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has denied suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are small and degraded.

Authorities Trace Movements

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

Law enforcement have said they are “treating with gravity” the pair’s presence in the country as they piece together the activities of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are numerous places the two could have gone to or had meetings in the neighborhood. Many of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a close by Jollibee, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Detectives are analyzing CCTV footage and following taxi trips to reconstruct their whereabouts, and that every scenario are being considered.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are anxious that fresh accusations of extremism could lead to increased security measures and increase prejudice against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] stay should be carefully probed and the information should provide transparent and factual answers without transforming doubt into finger-pointing against its people or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig commended community efforts in strengthening the peace and order in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism magically vanished”. He said the country must address socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that fuel the motivations behind the violence while “persist in promoting tolerance and prevent discrimination and polarization”.