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That was the scariest experience of his existence. In 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State assault claimed 15 lives, among them his brother-in-law. A lengthy conflict between the military and the extremist group in Marawi ensued.

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

Nine years later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the country's largest cities, amid global attention over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

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

Even the 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 victims sits in a part of the night market, looking out of place amidst the joyful environment as many people gathered there for food, massages and trinkets.

Current Investigations Amid Christmas Preparations

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the pair is happening while the predominantly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been lit up by a tall 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 made clear the probe into their actions is continuing and the precise reason for their visit is still unclear.

“It is just unfortunate that valid issues are exploited by extremism. Unfortunately, the reputation of extreme conflict was incorrectly tied to Mindanao’s identity,” noted Karlos Manlupig, leader of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Security Record

Lorenzo is furthermore certain that no one could carry out another terror attack in the city historically governed by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and controversial – was established by heavily policing Davao through tough anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has rejected suggestions that it was a base for militant training for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of unrest and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups persist, experts say they are limited in size and diminished.

Authorities Reconstruct Movements

What is certain, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor underwent weapons training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

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

Police say there are many establishments the two could have gone to or met contacts in the neighborhood. Many of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a close by restaurant, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage and tracking transport records to reconstruct their whereabouts, and that all possibilities are being entertained.

Fears in the Region Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with extremist groups in 2017, locals are concerned that new accusations of extremism could lead to increased security measures and increase discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must establish what happened.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be thoroughly examined and the intelligence should provide transparent and factual answers without transforming doubt into accusations against Mindanao or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig lauded civic actions in improving the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront root causes and political factors that fuel the impulses behind the conflict while “persist in promoting acceptance and steer clear of bias and division”.