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This was the most frightening moment of his existence. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The ISIS assault killed 15, among them his brother-in-law. A lengthy conflict between the army and the jihadist group in Marawi followed.

“It cannot happen again in Davao,” Pendon asserts.

Years later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the nation's largest cities, during international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi beach shooters, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who works as a masseur at the night market, heard about Bondi on the television, but like other locals surveyed, felt predominantly detached.

Even the 2016 bombing is a bad memory he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities sits in a part of the night market, appearing out of place amidst the celebratory atmosphere as hundreds came there for food, massages and trinkets.

Current Inquiries Amid Christmas Preparations

Probes regarding the visit to the country of the father and son comes as the predominantly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been lit up by a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the inquiry into their whereabouts is active and the precise reason for their stay is as yet unclear.

“It is just a shame that valid issues are hijacked by terrorism. Sadly, the story of extreme conflict was wrongly attached to the region's identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, executive director of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Security Legacy

Lorenzo is furthermore confident that nobody could execute another terror attack in the city historically administered by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and infamous – was forged through aggressively securitising Davao through hardline anti-crime and anti-drug policies. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has rejected claims that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and marginalization that has seen some local militant factions establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are small and weakened.

Investigators Piece Together Movements

What is clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor obtained military-style training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Investigators have said they are “treating with gravity” the father and son's stay in the country as they piece together the actions of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are numerous establishments the two could have gone to or connected with associates in the area. Many of establishments sit between the hotel where they stayed and a local popular fast food chain, where they were reported to buy their food.

Detectives are reviewing security camera video and following taxi trips to establish their whereabouts, and that every scenario are being explored.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are worried that fresh accusations of extremism could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen bias against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] time here should be properly investigated and the intelligence should provide transparent and factual answers without converting questions into finger-pointing against its people or its people,” he said.

Manlupig praised civic actions in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that fuel the impulses behind the conflict while “continue pushing for acceptance and steer clear of discrimination and division”.