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This was the scariest experience of his existence. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State assault killed 15, including his wife's brother. A prolonged conflict between the army and the militant group in Marawi City followed.

“It cannot occur again in Davao,” Pendon says.

Nearly a decade later, the shadow of IS reappears over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, during international scrutiny over the month-long stay in the city of the alleged Bondi beach shooters, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, heard about the attack on the television, but as with other residents spoken to, felt mostly removed.

The 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 deaths stands in a section of the night market, seeming incongruous amid the celebratory atmosphere as hundreds came there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Current Inquiries Amid Festive Cheer

Investigations into the Philippines activities of the father and son coincides with the predominantly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was taken aback 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 emphasized the probe into their activities is continuing and the true reason for their stay is remains unknown.

“It is regrettable that real concerns are co-opted by terrorism. Regrettably, the reputation of brutal violence was incorrectly tied to the island's image,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Policing History

Lorenzo is also confident that nobody could perpetrate another act of terror in the city for a long time governed by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both famous and notorious – was established by aggressively securitising Davao through tough anti-crime and anti-drug campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand checking bags.

The national government has denied suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and marginalisation that has seen some Muslim separatist groups form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups persist, authorities say they are limited in size and weakened.

Investigators Trace Movements

What is clear, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two never left the city nor obtained weapons training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the duo's presence in the country as they reconstruct the movements of the father and son during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Police say there are many places the two could have frequented or had meetings in the area. Many of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a nearby Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their food.

Police are examining CCTV footage and following cab rides to reconstruct their movements, and that any potential lead are being entertained.

Concerns in the Region Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are worried that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and deepen bias against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] stay should be thoroughly examined and the intel should provide clear and truthful answers without converting questions into finger-pointing against its people or its people,” he said.

Manlupig praised local initiatives in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that radicalism magically vanished”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and governance challenges that fuel the reasons behind the unrest while “persist in promoting acceptance and avoid prejudice and polarization”.