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It was the scariest moment of his life. Back in September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The ISIS assault killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A lengthy siege between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi followed.

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

Nine years later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ key cities, during worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who works as a massage therapist at the night market, heard about the attack on the television, but like other residents spoken to, felt predominantly detached.

The 2016 attack is a bad memory he is attempting to put behind him. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a corner of the night market, appearing incongruous amid the celebratory atmosphere as many people came there for meals, massages and goods.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Christmas Preparations

Probes regarding the time in the Philippines of the father and son coincides with the mostly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a tall Christmas tree, malls are packed, 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 violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have made clear the inquiry into their whereabouts is active and the exact reason for their visit is as yet uncertain.

“It is unfortunate that valid issues are exploited by terrorism. Unfortunately, the narrative of brutal violence was unfairly glued to the island's character,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Policing History

Lorenzo is also assured that no one could carry out another terror attack in the city for a long time ruled by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both renowned and notorious – was established by aggressively securitising Davao through tough law and order and drug war policies. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand checking bags.

The Philippine government has rejected suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of instability and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups persist, security officials say they are small and degraded.

Authorities Reconstruct Whereabouts

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

Law enforcement have said they are “taking seriously” the father and son's stay in the country as they reconstruct the actions of the father and son during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Police say there are many locations the two could have gone to or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Dozens of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a nearby restaurant, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Police are examining surveillance tapes and following cab rides to reconstruct their itinerary, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Labels

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

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must establish what took place.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be properly investigated and the information should provide accurate and honest answers without transforming doubt into accusations against Mindanao or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig praised local initiatives in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism simply disappeared”. He said the country must address root causes and governance challenges that motivate the reasons behind the conflict while “persist in promoting tolerance and avoid bias and sectarianism”.