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That was the scariest experience of his life. During the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS attack left 15 dead, including his brother-in-law. A prolonged conflict between the military and the extremist group in the city of Marawi came after.

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

Nine years later, the threat of IS again looms over one of the country's major cities, amidst international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, learned of the Bondi incident on the news, but similar to other citizens interviewed, felt largely detached.

Even the 2016 blast is a painful recollection he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities sits in a corner of the night market, seeming incongruous amid the celebratory atmosphere as crowds flocked there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Festive Preparations

Investigations into the time in the Philippines of the father and son comes as the overwhelmingly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been decorated with a towering Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was surprised 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. Officials have made clear the investigation into their actions is continuing and the true reason for their stay is remains uncertain.

“It is just a shame that legitimate grievances are exploited by extremism. Regrettably, the narrative of extreme conflict was wrongly attached to the island's character,” stated Karlos Manlupig, executive director of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Safety History

Lorenzo is also certain that no one could perpetrate another terror attack in the city historically governed by the clan of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and controversial – was forged through aggressively securitising Davao through tough anti-crime and drug war campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four officers stand checking bags.

The national government has pushed back against suggestions that it was a terrorist training ground for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of instability and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are small and diminished.

Police Reconstruct Whereabouts

What is certain, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor obtained military-style training in the country, as was previously alleged.

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

Police say there are many locations the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the vicinity. Dozens of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a nearby restaurant, where they were reported to buy their food.

Officers are analyzing security camera video and tracking transport records to establish their itinerary, and that any potential lead are being entertained.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with extremist groups in 2017, locals are worried that renewed terrorist labels could lead to heightened securitisation and deepen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must determine what happened.

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

Manlupig commended civic actions in improving the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront root causes and governance challenges that drive the reasons behind the conflict while “continue pushing for understanding and prevent bias and sectarianism”.