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It was the most frightening time of his existence. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a detonation at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The IS assault killed 15, among them his wife's brother. A prolonged siege between the military and the extremist group in the city of Marawi followed.

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

Nine years later, the threat of IS again looms over one of the nation's largest cities, amidst worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who works as a massage technician at the night market, learned of Bondi on the news, but like other locals surveyed, felt mostly detached.

The 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 deaths is placed in a section of the night market, seeming out of place amidst the festive mood as many people flocked there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Current Investigations Amid Christmas Celebrations

Probes regarding the visit to the country of the father and son is happening while the predominantly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are busy, 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 travel, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have emphasized the inquiry into their activities is continuing and the true reason for their trip is as yet unclear.

“It is just unfortunate that real concerns are exploited by terrorism. Sadly, the narrative of savage attacks was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s image,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Security History

Lorenzo is also confident that no one could perpetrate another act of terror in the city historically administered by the political machine of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both famous and notorious – was established by tightly securing Davao through strict anti-crime and anti-drug policies. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has denied allegations that it was a terrorist training ground for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of unrest and disenfranchisement that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, experts say they are small and diminished.

Investigators Reconstruct Activities

What is evident, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor received military-style training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the duo's presence in the country as they map out the activities of the father and son during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are several establishments the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the area. Many of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a close by restaurant, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Detectives are analyzing CCTV footage and tracing transport records to establish their itinerary, and that any potential lead are being explored.

Worries in Marawi Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are concerned that fresh terrorist labels could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must establish what happened.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be thoroughly examined and the information should provide clear and truthful answers without transforming doubt into blame against its people or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig lauded community efforts in strengthening the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “it is not true that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront economic and social issues and political factors that fuel the reasons behind the violence while “keep advocating for understanding and steer clear of prejudice and division”.