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That was the most terrifying time of his life. Back in the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a detonation at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The ISIS strike claimed 15 lives, among them his wife's brother. A five-month battle between the military and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi ensued.

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

Nine years later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ major cities, amidst worldwide focus over the 28-day stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, heard about the attack on the television, but similar to other citizens spoken to, felt largely disconnected.

Even the 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims sits in a section of the night market, seeming incongruous amidst the festive mood as many people gathered there for food, massages and trinkets.

Current Inquiries Amid Holiday Cheer

Examinations of the time in the Philippines of the pair coincides with the overwhelmingly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“I was surprised 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. Authorities have emphasized the investigation into their actions is ongoing and the exact reason for their trip is remains unclear.

“It is just unfortunate that real concerns are exploited by terrorism. Sadly, the story of extreme conflict was wrongly attached to the region's character,” stated Karlos Manlupig, head of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Policing Record

Lorenzo is furthermore assured that nobody could execute another terrorist strike in the city for a long time administered by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both famous and infamous – was forged through tightly securing Davao through tough anti-crime and anti-drug policies. At an entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has denied allegations that it was a terrorist training ground for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of instability and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are limited in size and degraded.

Authorities Trace Whereabouts

What is clear, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor underwent weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Law enforcement have said they are “treating with gravity” the father and son's presence in the country as they piece together the actions of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are numerous locations the two could have visited or met contacts in the vicinity. Dozens of businesses sit between the hotel where they stayed and a nearby popular fast food chain, where they were understood to buy their food.

Officers are examining security camera video and following cab rides to establish their itinerary, and that every scenario are being considered.

Worries in Marawi City Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with extremist groups in 2017, residents are concerned that fresh associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must find out what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be carefully probed and the intelligence should provide accurate and honest answers without turning uncertainty into finger-pointing against its people or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig lauded local initiatives in strengthening the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism magically vanished”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and political factors that motivate the reasons behind the unrest while “persist in promoting understanding and avoid prejudice and sectarianism”.