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This was the most frightening moment of his life. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State attack claimed 15 lives, including his wife's brother. A five-month conflict between the army and the jihadist group in Marawi ensued.

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

Nine years later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the country's key cities, amid global attention over the four-week stay in the city of the alleged Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, heard about Bondi on the news, but as with other citizens interviewed, felt largely disconnected.

The 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 victims sits in a part of the night market, looking incongruous amid the celebratory atmosphere as hundreds gathered there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Active Investigations Amid Christmas Celebrations

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the duo comes as the predominantly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been adorned with a towering Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“It surprised me 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. Authorities have made clear the probe into their activities is active and the true reason for their stay is remains unclear.

“It is just regrettable that valid issues are hijacked by terrorism. Unfortunately, the story of savage attacks was wrongly attached to Mindanao’s image,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Safety Record

Lorenzo is additionally confident that no one could perpetrate another terror attack in the city for a long time governed by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both renowned and controversial – was built on tightly securing Davao through strict anti-crime and anti-drug policies. At an entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has pushed back against allegations that it was a base for militant training for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of instability and marginalisation that has seen some Muslim separatist groups form alliances with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are small and degraded.

Investigators Piece Together Movements

What is certain, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor obtained military-style training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Investigators have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's stay in the country as they reconstruct the activities of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are numerous establishments the two could have gone to or had meetings in the vicinity. Dozens of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a nearby popular fast food chain, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Police are examining CCTV footage and following cab rides to establish their movements, and that every scenario are being entertained.

Concerns in the Region Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, residents are anxious that fresh associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and increase discrimination against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] visit should be properly investigated and the information should provide transparent and factual answers without turning uncertainty into blame against its people or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig lauded civic actions in strengthening the safety conditions 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 governance challenges that motivate the impulses behind the violence while “persist in promoting acceptance and prevent bias and sectarianism”.