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This was the scariest moment of his existence. In the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS strike claimed 15 lives, among them his wife's brother. A lengthy battle between the armed forces and the extremist group in Marawi City ensued.

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

Nine years later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the Philippines’ key cities, amid global attention over the four-week stay in the city of the suspected Bondi suspects, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who works as a massage therapist at the night market, saw news of the attack on the news, but as with other locals interviewed, felt mostly disconnected.

The 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is working to forget. A remembrance marker for the 2016 deaths stands in a corner of the night market, appearing incongruous amidst the joyful atmosphere as hundreds came there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Holiday Preparations

Probes regarding the visit to the country of the father and son comes as the mostly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are busy, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have stated the inquiry into their activities is continuing and the exact reason for their visit is remains unknown.

“It is simply unfortunate that real concerns are co-opted by extremism. Sadly, the reputation of savage attacks was wrongly attached to the island's character,” noted Karlos Manlupig, executive director of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Security History

Lorenzo is also assured that no one could execute another terror attack in the city for a long time administered by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both famous and infamous – was built on tightly securing Davao through hardline anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has rejected claims that it was a terrorist training ground for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are small and weakened.

Authorities Piece Together Movements

What is clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor obtained weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested.

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

Authorities say there are many places the two could have gone to or had meetings in the neighborhood. Dozens of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a nearby Jollibee, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Police are reviewing security camera video and tracking transport records to establish their whereabouts, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with IS-linked militants in 2017, locals are concerned that new associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must establish what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be carefully probed and the information should provide clear and truthful answers without transforming doubt into accusations against the region or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig praised local initiatives in strengthening the peace and order in Davao City but he said “it is not true that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and political factors that fuel the impulses behind the unrest while “keep advocating for understanding and steer clear of prejudice and polarization”.