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It was the scariest time of his life. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The Islamic State strike claimed 15 lives, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged siege between the army and the extremist group in Marawi ensued.

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

Years later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the country's major cities, amid global attention over the four-week stay in the city of the accused Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, learned of Bondi on the media, but similar to other locals surveyed, felt predominantly removed.

The 2016 bombing is a traumatic event he is trying to move on from. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims is placed in a section of the night market, seeming out of place amid the festive environment as many people flocked there for meals, massages and goods.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Christmas Celebrations

Examinations of the visit to the country of the father and son coincides with the predominantly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, malls are crowded, 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 sightseeing, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have made clear the inquiry into their activities is ongoing and the true reason for their visit is as yet unknown.

“It is just regrettable that real concerns are exploited by radicalism. Unfortunately, the reputation of brutal violence was unfairly glued to the island's image,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Safety Record

Lorenzo is furthermore certain that no one could carry out another terrorist strike in the city historically ruled by the political machine of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and notorious – was forged through aggressively securitising Davao through hardline anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four officers stand searching bags.

The national government has denied allegations that it was a hub for extremists for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of conflict and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups persist, security officials say they are small and diminished.

Police Piece Together Movements

What is certain, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor underwent combat training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Law enforcement have said they are “treating with gravity” the duo's visit in the country as they map out the movements of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are several places the two could have gone to or connected with associates in the vicinity. Scores of outlets sit between the hotel where they stayed and a close by Jollibee, where they were known to buy their food.

Officers are analyzing security camera video and tracking cab rides to piece together their whereabouts, and that any potential lead are being explored.

Concerns in Marawi Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are anxious that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must establish what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be carefully probed and the intelligence should provide transparent and factual answers without turning uncertainty into accusations against its people or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig commended local initiatives in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that extremism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that motivate the impulses behind the unrest while “continue pushing for understanding and prevent bias and division”.