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It was the scariest time of his existence. In the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a detonation at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The Islamic State assault left 15 dead, including his brother-in-law. A lengthy conflict between the military and the jihadist group in Marawi followed.

“It will not take place again in Davao,” Pendon asserts.

Nine years later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, during international scrutiny over the month-long stay in the city of the alleged Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, saw news of the attack on the media, but like other residents interviewed, felt predominantly detached.

Even the 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities stands in a section of the night market, looking mismatched against the joyful mood as hundreds came there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Active Probes Amid Christmas Preparations

Probes regarding the visit to the country of the duo comes as the predominantly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, malls are packed, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have made clear the probe into their whereabouts is active and the exact reason for their stay is remains uncertain.

“It is just unfortunate that real concerns are co-opted by extremism. Regrettably, the narrative of savage attacks was unfairly glued to the island's identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, executive director of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Policing Record

Lorenzo is furthermore confident that nobody could carry out another act of terror in the city historically governed by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both renowned and notorious – was established by tightly securing Davao through hardline law and order and drug war policies. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has pushed back against suggestions that it was a base for militant training for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are limited in size and diminished.

Police Piece Together Whereabouts

What is evident, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor obtained weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Law enforcement have said they are “not taking lightly” the father and son's stay in the country as they piece together the movements of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are numerous places the two could have frequented or met contacts in the neighborhood. Scores of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a nearby popular fast food chain, where they were known to buy their meals.

Detectives are analyzing security camera video and tracing transport records to piece together their whereabouts, and that all possibilities are being entertained.

Worries in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with extremist groups in 2017, locals are anxious that fresh associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must find out what took place.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be properly investigated and the intelligence should provide accurate and honest answers without transforming doubt into accusations against its people or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig commended community efforts in strengthening the peace and order in Davao City but he said “it is not true that extremism magically vanished”. He said the country must confront root causes and political factors that drive the motivations behind the conflict while “keep advocating for acceptance and prevent bias and division”.