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That was the scariest time of his existence. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The Islamic State attack claimed 15 lives, including his brother-in-law. A five-month conflict between the army and the jihadist group in Marawi City ensued.

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

Nine years later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the country's major cities, amidst international scrutiny over the 28-day 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 as with other citizens surveyed, felt predominantly removed.

The 2016 blast is a bad memory he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 deaths is placed in a corner of the night market, seeming incongruous against the festive environment as hundreds gathered there for food, massages and goods.

Current Inquiries Amid Holiday Preparations

Probes regarding the time in the Philippines of the pair comes as the predominantly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a towering 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 travel, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Officials have emphasized the inquiry into their activities is ongoing and the exact reason for their visit is still unclear.

“It is simply a shame that valid issues are exploited by terrorism. Sadly, the narrative of extreme conflict was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s image,” noted Karlos Manlupig, executive director of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety Record

Lorenzo is also certain that no one could perpetrate another terrorist strike in the city historically governed by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both renowned and infamous – was forged through tightly securing Davao through tough anti-crime and anti-drug policies. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand inspecting bags.

The Philippine government has denied claims that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are limited in size and diminished.

Investigators Piece Together Whereabouts

What is evident, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor obtained military-style training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Investigators have said they are “treating with gravity” the father and son's visit in the country as they reconstruct the actions of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are numerous establishments the two could have visited or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Scores of outlets sit between the hotel where they stayed and a local Jollibee, where they were known to buy their meals.

Detectives are analyzing security camera video and tracking transport records to piece together their itinerary, and that every scenario are being considered.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Bias

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

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must find out what took place.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be carefully probed and the intelligence should provide clear and truthful answers without converting questions into blame against the region or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig praised community efforts in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism simply disappeared”. He said the country must tackle socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that fuel the impulses behind the conflict while “keep advocating for acceptance and prevent discrimination and division”.