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This was the most terrifying time of his life. In the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State assault left 15 dead, including his wife's brother. A prolonged siege between the military and the militant group in the city of Marawi came after.

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

Years later, the specter of IS reappears over one of the nation's key cities, amid global attention over the month-long stay in the city of the suspected Bondi beach shooters, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, saw news of the attack on the news, but like other citizens interviewed, felt mostly disconnected.

The 2016 attack is a bad memory he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 victims is placed in a section of the night market, looking out of place amid the joyful environment as hundreds came there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Active Inquiries Amid Holiday Celebrations

Investigations into the visit to the country of the pair comes as the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been adorned with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have made clear the investigation into their actions is active and the exact reason for their stay is still unclear.

“It is a shame that legitimate grievances are co-opted by radicalism. Sadly, the story of brutal violence was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s image,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is additionally assured that nobody could perpetrate another terror attack in the city long ruled by the political machine of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both notable and controversial – was built on tightly securing Davao through hardline law and order and drug war initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand checking bags.

The national government has pushed back against claims that it was a terrorist training ground for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of unrest and disenfranchisement that has seen some Muslim separatist groups establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are small and weakened.

Investigators Reconstruct Activities

What is evident, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor obtained combat training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Investigators have said they are “treating with gravity” the duo's visit in the country as they piece together the activities of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are several establishments the two could have gone to or had meetings in the area. Dozens of outlets sit between the GV Hotel and a nearby Jollibee, where they were known to buy their food.

Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage and tracking taxi trips to piece together their itinerary, and that any potential lead are being entertained.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with extremist groups in 2017, inhabitants are concerned that new accusations of extremism could lead to increased security measures and deepen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must establish what took place.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be carefully probed and the intelligence should provide clear and truthful answers without turning uncertainty into accusations against the region or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig lauded civic actions in improving the security situation in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and governance challenges that fuel the reasons behind the unrest while “continue pushing for understanding and avoid discrimination and sectarianism”.