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It was the most terrifying time of his existence. During the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State strike claimed 15 lives, among them his wife's brother. A prolonged conflict between the army and the militant group in Marawi City came after.

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

Years later, the shadow of IS reappears over one of the nation's key cities, amidst global attention over the 28-day 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, saw news of Bondi on the media, but like other citizens spoken to, felt predominantly disconnected.

The 2016 blast is a bad memory he is attempting to put behind him. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities sits in a part of the night market, appearing incongruous against the festive environment as many people came there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Active Inquiries Amid Festive Preparations

Investigations into the visit to the country of the father and son is happening while the mostly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children knock on doors 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, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have made clear the probe into their actions is active and the exact reason for their stay is as yet uncertain.

“It is just a shame that real concerns are hijacked by terrorism. Regrettably, the story of savage attacks was wrongly attached to the region's image,” said Karlos Manlupig, executive director of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Safety Record

Lorenzo is additionally assured that no one could execute another act of terror in the city for a long time administered by the political machine of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and notorious – was forged through aggressively securitising Davao through strict anti-crime and anti-drug policies. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has rejected allegations that it was a terrorist training ground for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of instability and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups persist, security officials say they are small and weakened.

Police Trace Movements

What is clear, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor underwent weapons training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Law enforcement have said they are “not taking lightly” the duo's presence in the country as they reconstruct the movements of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are several establishments the two could have frequented or met contacts in the area. Many of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a nearby Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their food.

Officers are examining security camera video and tracing transport records to piece together their whereabouts, and that any potential lead are being entertained.

Worries in the Region Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, residents are concerned that new terrorist labels could lead to increased security measures and deepen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must determine what happened.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be thoroughly examined and the intelligence should provide accurate and honest answers without transforming doubt into accusations against its people or its people,” he said.

Manlupig commended community efforts in improving the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that fuel the motivations behind the violence while “continue pushing for acceptance and prevent prejudice and division”.