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This was the most terrifying experience of his life. Back in the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS assault claimed 15 lives, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged siege between the military and the extremist group in the city of Marawi followed.

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

Nine years later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the country's major cities, amid global attention over the month-long stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who makes a living as a masseur at the night market, saw news of the Bondi incident on the media, but as with other citizens interviewed, felt mostly detached.

The 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities sits in a corner of the night market, appearing out of place amidst the festive mood as hundreds flocked there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Active Investigations Amid Christmas Preparations

Probes regarding the visit to the country of the father and son comes as the mostly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have made clear the investigation into their whereabouts is ongoing and the true reason for their visit is as yet unclear.

“It is simply unfortunate that legitimate grievances are hijacked by terrorism. Sadly, the reputation of savage attacks was incorrectly tied to Mindanao’s character,” noted Karlos Manlupig, head of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Policing Record

Lorenzo is furthermore assured that nobody could perpetrate another act of terror in the city long ruled by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and notorious – was established by heavily policing Davao through tough law and order and anti-drug campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four officers stand checking bags.

The national government has denied suggestions that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of instability and marginalisation that has seen some Muslim separatist groups forge ties with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups persist, experts say they are small and degraded.

Authorities Piece Together Whereabouts

What is evident, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two never left the city nor received weapons training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Police have said they are “taking seriously” the pair’s visit in the country as they piece together the actions of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are many places the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the area. Dozens of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a local popular fast food chain, where they were understood to buy their food.

Detectives are examining surveillance tapes and following transport records to reconstruct their whereabouts, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Worries in Marawi City Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are anxious that renewed terrorist labels could lead to increased security measures and deepen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must determine what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be carefully probed and the information should provide clear and truthful answers without converting questions into finger-pointing against the region or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig lauded community efforts in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism simply disappeared”. He said the country must tackle root causes and political factors that drive the reasons behind the violence while “persist in promoting understanding and avoid prejudice and sectarianism”.