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It was the most frightening time of his existence. During the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The ISIS attack left 15 dead, among them his wife's brother. A five-month siege between the military and the jihadist group in Marawi came after.

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

Years later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ key cities, amidst global attention over the month-long stay in the city of the suspected Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, learned of the attack on the media, but as with other citizens surveyed, felt largely disconnected.

The 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is trying to move on from. A remembrance marker for the 2016 fatalities sits in a section of the night market, appearing incongruous against the festive mood as many people gathered there for meals, massages and goods.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Festive Celebrations

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the pair comes as the predominantly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are busy, 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 violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the investigation into their whereabouts is ongoing and the true reason for their stay is remains uncertain.

“It is simply a shame that legitimate grievances are co-opted by terrorism. Regrettably, the narrative of extreme conflict was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s identity,” said Karlos Manlupig, executive director of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Policing History

Lorenzo is also certain that no one could perpetrate another act of terror in the city historically governed by the political machine of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and notorious – was built on tightly securing Davao through strict law and order and anti-drug campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand checking bags.

The Philippine government has denied allegations that it was a hub for extremists for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and marginalization that has seen some Muslim separatist groups forge ties with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups still exist, security officials say they are limited in size and diminished.

Investigators Trace Whereabouts

What is clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor obtained military-style 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 pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Police say there are many places the two could have frequented or met contacts in the neighborhood. Dozens of businesses sit between the hotel where they stayed and a local Jollibee, where they were known to buy their meals.

Police are analyzing CCTV footage and tracking cab rides to establish their movements, and that every scenario are being considered.

Fears in Marawi City Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are concerned that new accusations of extremism could lead to increased security measures and increase bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must determine what took place.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be carefully probed and the intel should provide accurate and honest answers without transforming doubt into finger-pointing against the region or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig lauded civic actions in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that extremism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront root causes and governance challenges that fuel the reasons behind the unrest while “continue pushing for understanding and prevent bias and sectarianism”.