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It was the most frightening time of his existence. Back in the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a detonation at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS strike claimed 15 lives, including his wife's brother. A prolonged conflict between the military and the militant group in Marawi City came after.

“It cannot occur again in Davao,” Pendon asserts.

Years later, the specter of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ major cities, amidst global attention over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi suspects, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, heard about the attack on the television, but similar to other locals spoken to, felt largely disconnected.

Even the 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is working to forget. A monument for the 2016 victims sits in a section of the night market, appearing incongruous amid the joyful atmosphere as hundreds came there for meals, massages and goods.

Active Probes Amid Holiday Preparations

Investigations into the visit to the country of the father and son comes as the predominantly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a tall Christmas tree, malls are packed, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have stated the inquiry into their whereabouts is active and the precise reason for their stay is as yet uncertain.

“It is just unfortunate that valid issues are co-opted by radicalism. Sadly, the story of extreme conflict was wrongly attached to the region's image,” said Karlos Manlupig, head of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Policing Record

Lorenzo is also certain that nobody could execute another terror attack in the city historically governed by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both notable and controversial – was built on tightly securing Davao through strict anti-crime and anti-drug policies. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand checking bags.

The Philippine government has denied claims that it was a terrorist training ground for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of instability and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are limited in size and weakened.

Authorities Reconstruct Movements

What is certain, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor obtained weapons training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Investigators have said they are “not taking lightly” the pair’s stay in the country as they map out the activities of the father and son during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are several establishments the two could have gone to or met contacts in the vicinity. Scores of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a local Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their food.

Police are examining CCTV footage and tracing taxi trips to establish their movements, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Fears in the Region Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are anxious that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must establish what took place.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be thoroughly examined and the intel should provide transparent and factual answers without turning uncertainty into accusations against its people or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig commended local initiatives in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism magically vanished”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that drive the impulses behind the unrest while “continue pushing for understanding and avoid discrimination and division”.