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This was the most terrifying moment of his life. Back in September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a detonation at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS assault left 15 dead, including his brother-in-law. A five-month siege between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi City ensued.

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

Years later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the country's major cities, during international scrutiny over the four-week stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, saw news of Bondi on the news, but like other locals surveyed, felt predominantly detached.

Even the 2016 attack is a bad memory he is trying to move on from. A monument for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a part of the night market, appearing mismatched amid the joyful mood as hundreds flocked there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Current Investigations Amid Christmas Preparations

Probes regarding the time in the Philippines of the father and son coincides with the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with 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 sightseeing, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Officials have emphasized the investigation into their actions is ongoing and the exact reason for their visit is remains unknown.

“It is simply a shame that legitimate grievances are hijacked by terrorism. Unfortunately, the narrative of brutal violence was incorrectly tied to the region's identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, executive director of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Security Legacy

Lorenzo is additionally certain that nobody could carry out another terror attack in the city historically administered by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and notorious – was established by heavily policing Davao through tough anti-crime and anti-drug policies. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand inspecting bags.

The national government has rejected suggestions that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of unrest and marginalization that has seen some local militant factions establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are small and degraded.

Investigators Reconstruct Whereabouts

What is certain, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor obtained military-style training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the pair’s presence in the country as they piece together the movements of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are numerous places the two could have frequented or met contacts in the neighborhood. Many of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a close by Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their food.

Detectives are examining surveillance tapes and following taxi trips to establish their whereabouts, and that all possibilities are being entertained.

Concerns in Marawi Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are worried that fresh associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and deepen discrimination against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] visit should be carefully probed and the information should provide transparent and factual answers without converting questions into accusations against Mindanao 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 extremism magically vanished”. He said the country must tackle economic and social issues and political factors that motivate the motivations behind the violence while “persist in promoting understanding and prevent bias and division”.