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That was the scariest experience of his existence. Back in the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS strike claimed 15 lives, among them his brother-in-law. A five-month conflict between the armed forces and the jihadist group in Marawi City ensued.

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

Years later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the nation's largest cities, during global attention over the four-week stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, heard about Bondi on the television, but similar to other citizens interviewed, felt predominantly removed.

The 2016 attack is a bad memory he is working to forget. A remembrance marker for the 2016 fatalities sits in a section of the night market, appearing out of place against the celebratory environment as crowds flocked there for food, massages and goods.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Holiday Celebrations

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the father and son is happening while the predominantly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, malls are packed, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have stated the investigation into their activities is ongoing and the true reason for their stay is remains uncertain.

“It is unfortunate that valid issues are hijacked by terrorism. Unfortunately, the reputation of extreme conflict was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, head of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Policing History

Lorenzo is also certain that no one could perpetrate another terrorist strike in the city long ruled by the clan of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and controversial – was established by tightly securing Davao through hardline law and order and drug war policies. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand inspecting bags.

The national government has denied suggestions that it was a base for militant training for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of unrest and marginalization that has seen some Muslim separatist groups establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, experts say they are limited in size and degraded.

Police Trace Activities

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

Police have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's visit in the country as they map out the actions of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Police say there are numerous places the two could have frequented or met contacts in the neighborhood. Dozens of outlets sit between the hotel where they stayed and a nearby Jollibee, where they were known to buy their meals.

Officers are analyzing CCTV footage and following taxi trips to piece together their movements, and that every scenario are being explored.

Fears in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are concerned that new terrorist labels could lead to increased security measures and increase bias against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] stay should be carefully probed and the intel should provide transparent and factual answers without transforming doubt into blame against the region or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig commended local initiatives in strengthening the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism magically vanished”. He said the country must tackle economic and social issues and political factors that drive the motivations behind the violence while “continue pushing for understanding and steer clear of discrimination and sectarianism”.