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This was the most terrifying experience of his life. Back in the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State assault claimed 15 lives, including his wife's brother. A prolonged conflict between the military and the extremist group in the city of Marawi followed.

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

Nearly a decade later, the specter of IS once more hangs over one of the nation's largest cities, amid global attention over the four-week stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, heard about the attack on the media, but like other citizens interviewed, felt predominantly removed.

The 2016 bombing is a traumatic event he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 deaths is placed in a part of the night market, appearing incongruous amid the joyful environment as hundreds gathered there for food, massages and goods.

Active Probes Amid Festive Cheer

Probes regarding the time in the Philippines of the father and son coincides with the overwhelmingly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a tall Christmas tree, malls are packed, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“I was taken aback 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. Authorities have made clear the probe into their actions is active and the exact reason for their stay is remains unclear.

“It is just unfortunate that valid issues are hijacked by terrorism. Unfortunately, the reputation of brutal violence was incorrectly tied to the island's image,” noted Karlos Manlupig, head of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Safety Record

Lorenzo is additionally confident that no one could perpetrate another terror attack in the city for a long time administered by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and notorious – was forged through tightly securing Davao through strict law and order and drug war campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand searching bags.

The national government has pushed back against allegations that it was a terrorist training ground for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of instability and disenfranchisement that has seen some Islamic independence movements forge ties with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are small and weakened.

Authorities Trace Whereabouts

What is certain, commented 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.

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

Investigators say there are several establishments the two could have frequented or met contacts in the vicinity. Dozens of outlets sit between the hotel where they stayed and a local restaurant, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Detectives are examining CCTV footage and following cab rides to piece together their itinerary, and that every scenario are being explored.

Concerns in the Region Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are worried that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and deepen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must determine what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be thoroughly examined and the intelligence should provide accurate and honest answers without converting questions into accusations against its people or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig lauded civic actions in improving the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that motivate the motivations behind the conflict while “continue pushing for understanding and avoid prejudice and sectarianism”.