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This was the most frightening experience of his existence. Back in the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS strike killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A prolonged conflict between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi came after.

“It won’t occur again in Davao,” Pendon says.

Years later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the country's major cities, amid worldwide focus over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi beach shooters, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who works as a massage technician at the night market, saw news of the Bondi incident on the television, but like other citizens interviewed, felt largely removed.

The 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is trying to move on from. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims stands in a section of the night market, looking mismatched amidst the celebratory atmosphere as many people gathered there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Active Investigations Amid Holiday Preparations

Investigations into the Philippines activities of the father and son coincides with the predominantly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been lit up by a tall Christmas tree, malls 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 tourism, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Officials have stated the probe into their whereabouts is ongoing and the exact reason for their visit is still uncertain.

“It is unfortunate that real concerns are co-opted by terrorism. Sadly, the narrative of brutal violence was incorrectly tied to the region's image,” said Karlos Manlupig, head of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is additionally certain that no one could carry out another act of terror in the city for a long time ruled by the family of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both renowned and notorious – was forged through heavily policing Davao through strict anti-crime and anti-drug policies. At an entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand inspecting bags.

The national government has rejected allegations that it was a hub for extremists for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some Muslim separatist groups forge ties with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups persist, experts say they are small and degraded.

Investigators Trace Whereabouts

What is evident, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor underwent combat training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Police have said they are “taking seriously” the pair’s visit in the country as they reconstruct the activities of the suspects during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Police say there are several 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 known to buy their food.

Police are reviewing CCTV footage and tracing cab rides to establish their itinerary, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Fears in Marawi Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, residents are anxious that fresh accusations of extremism could lead to tighter restrictions and deepen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must establish what took place.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be thoroughly examined and the intelligence should provide transparent and factual answers without converting questions into blame against the region or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig commended civic actions in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “it is not true that terrorism magically vanished”. He said the country must tackle socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that drive the impulses behind the unrest while “persist in promoting acceptance and prevent discrimination and polarization”.