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It was the most terrifying experience of his existence. Back in the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State attack claimed 15 lives, among them his wife's brother. A prolonged conflict between the military and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi ensued.

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

Nearly a decade later, the shadow of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ key cities, amidst worldwide focus over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, learned of the attack on the television, but as with other residents interviewed, felt predominantly removed.

The 2016 attack is a bad memory he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims is placed in a corner of the night market, appearing out of place against the joyful mood as hundreds came there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Active Inquiries Amid Christmas Preparations

Probes regarding the time in the Philippines of the pair coincides with the mostly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, malls are packed, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have stated the investigation into their actions is continuing and the precise reason for their visit is still unclear.

“It is a shame that valid issues are hijacked by extremism. Unfortunately, the narrative of savage attacks was wrongly attached to the island's identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Security Record

Lorenzo is additionally certain that no one could perpetrate another terror attack in the city long ruled by the political machine of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both renowned and notorious – was forged through tightly securing Davao through hardline law and order and drug war initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand checking bags.

The national government has denied suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and marginalization that has seen some Muslim separatist groups form alliances with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are limited in size and weakened.

Authorities Piece Together Movements

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

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

Police say there are many establishments the two could have frequented or met contacts in the neighborhood. Many of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a nearby Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Officers are analyzing security camera video and tracing transport records to establish their whereabouts, and that all possibilities are being considered.

Fears in the Region Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are worried that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and deepen discrimination against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] time here should be properly investigated and the intelligence should provide accurate and honest answers without transforming doubt into finger-pointing against Mindanao or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig commended community efforts in improving the peace and order in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that extremism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle root causes and political factors that fuel the motivations behind the violence while “continue pushing for understanding and steer clear of prejudice and sectarianism”.