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It was the most terrifying experience of his life. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a detonation at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS strike killed 15, including his wife's brother. A lengthy conflict between the army and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi followed.

“It will not occur again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Years later, the threat of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, during international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi attackers, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who works as a masseur at the night market, learned of the Bondi incident on the television, but like other locals spoken to, felt mostly removed.

The 2016 bombing is a bad memory he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 fatalities sits in a corner of the night market, looking out of place amid the celebratory atmosphere as many people gathered there for meals, massages and goods.

Active Inquiries Amid Holiday Cheer

Investigations into the visit to the country of the father and son is happening while the predominantly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, malls are packed, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Officials have emphasized the investigation into their activities is ongoing and the precise reason for their visit is as yet uncertain.

“It is simply regrettable that valid issues are co-opted by radicalism. Sadly, the narrative of savage attacks was unfairly glued to the region's identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, head of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Security Record

Lorenzo is also certain that no one could execute another terror attack in the city long administered by the political machine of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and infamous – was established by aggressively securitising Davao through tough anti-crime and drug war campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand checking bags.

The national government has pushed back against claims that it was a hub for extremists for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some Islamic independence movements forge ties with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, security officials say they are small and degraded.

Police Trace Activities

What is clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor obtained weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Law enforcement have said they are “not taking lightly” the father and son's presence in the country as they reconstruct the actions of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are many places the two could have visited or connected with associates in the area. Scores of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a local restaurant, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Police are reviewing security camera video and following transport records to establish their movements, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Fears in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are worried that fresh terrorist labels could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must establish what happened.

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

Manlupig commended community efforts in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism magically vanished”. He said the country must confront root causes and political factors that fuel the reasons behind the conflict while “keep advocating for understanding and avoid prejudice and polarization”.