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That was the most frightening experience of his existence. Back in September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a detonation at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS attack killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A five-month battle between the army and the extremist group in Marawi City ensued.

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

Nearly a decade later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ key cities, amidst worldwide focus over the 28-day stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, learned of the attack on the media, but similar to other citizens spoken to, felt predominantly disconnected.

The 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 fatalities sits in a part of the night market, appearing incongruous amidst the festive atmosphere as many people came there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Festive Cheer

Investigations into the visit to the country of the duo coincides with the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have stated the investigation into their actions is active and the exact reason for their trip is remains uncertain.

“It is simply a shame that real concerns are co-opted by terrorism. Regrettably, the story of savage attacks was unfairly glued to the island's image,” stated Karlos Manlupig, head of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Safety Record

Lorenzo is also confident that no one could perpetrate another act of terror in the city historically ruled by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both renowned and notorious – was built on aggressively securitising Davao through tough anti-crime and anti-drug policies. At one entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand inspecting bags.

The national government has rejected suggestions that it was a terrorist training ground for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of unrest and marginalization that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups persist, security officials say they are small and degraded.

Authorities Piece Together Whereabouts

What is certain, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two never left the city nor received military-style training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Law enforcement have said they are “treating with gravity” the father and son's presence in the country as they map out the movements of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are several places the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Scores of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a close by restaurant, where they were reported to buy their food.

Detectives are examining security camera video and tracing transport records to piece together their itinerary, and that any potential lead are being entertained.

Fears in the Region Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are worried that new terrorist labels could lead to heightened securitisation and deepen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must find out what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be properly investigated and the information should provide transparent and factual answers without converting questions into finger-pointing against its people or its people,” he said.

Manlupig commended civic actions in strengthening the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism simply disappeared”. He said the country must tackle socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that motivate the motivations behind the violence while “persist in promoting tolerance and prevent bias and polarization”.