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This was the scariest experience of his life. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS strike claimed 15 lives, including his brother-in-law. A five-month battle between the armed forces and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi followed.

“It will not happen again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Nine years later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the nation's key cities, amidst global attention over the four-week stay in the city of the alleged Bondi attackers, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who works as a massage technician at the night market, saw news of the attack on the media, but as with other locals interviewed, felt largely detached.

Even the 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is working to forget. A monument for the 2016 victims sits in a part of the night market, appearing incongruous amid the joyful environment as hundreds gathered there for meals, massages and goods.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Festive Preparations

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the father and son is happening while the predominantly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have stated the investigation into their activities is ongoing and the precise reason for their trip is still unclear.

“It is simply a shame that real concerns are exploited by terrorism. Sadly, the narrative of extreme conflict was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, head of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety Record

Lorenzo is also confident that no one could perpetrate another terror attack in the city long administered by the political machine of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both renowned and notorious – was established by aggressively securitising Davao through hardline law and order and anti-drug campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand searching bags.

The authorities has denied claims that it was a base for militant training for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of unrest and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, security officials say they are limited in size and weakened.

Police Trace Movements

What is clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor underwent combat training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Law enforcement have said they are “not taking lightly” the duo's visit in the country as they reconstruct the movements of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are many establishments the two could have visited or had meetings in the vicinity. Many of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a local restaurant, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Officers are analyzing security camera video and following cab rides to piece together their movements, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Worries in Marawi Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are anxious that new terrorist labels could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must determine what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be carefully probed and the information should provide clear and truthful answers without turning uncertainty into finger-pointing against the region or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig commended local initiatives in improving the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism magically vanished”. He said the country must confront root causes and governance challenges that motivate the reasons behind the unrest while “continue pushing for tolerance and steer clear of bias and polarization”.