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It was the most terrifying experience of his life. Back in the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS assault left 15 dead, among them his brother-in-law. A lengthy conflict between the army and the jihadist group in Marawi followed.

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

Nearly a decade later, the threat of IS again looms over one of the country's key cities, amid 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 makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, saw news of Bondi on the news, but similar to other citizens spoken to, felt largely removed.

Even the 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 deaths stands in a corner of the night market, seeming out of place amidst the festive mood as hundreds flocked there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Active Inquiries Amid Christmas Cheer

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the father and son is happening while the predominantly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, malls are packed, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“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 probe into their activities is ongoing and the precise reason for their trip is still unclear.

“It is just regrettable that real concerns are exploited by terrorism. Unfortunately, the narrative of brutal violence was wrongly attached to Mindanao’s image,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Security Legacy

Lorenzo is also certain that no one could carry out another act of terror in the city historically administered by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both renowned and infamous – was forged through aggressively securitising Davao through strict law and order and anti-drug initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand inspecting bags.

The national government has denied claims that it was a terrorist training ground for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are limited in size and weakened.

Police Trace Movements

What is evident, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor underwent military-style training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Police have said they are “not taking lightly” the pair’s stay in the country as they piece together the activities of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are several locations the two could have visited or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Dozens of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a close by Jollibee, where they were known to buy their food.

Police are reviewing surveillance tapes and following transport records to piece together their whereabouts, and that any potential lead are being explored.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with IS-linked militants in 2017, residents are worried that fresh accusations of extremism could lead to increased security measures and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must find out what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be thoroughly examined and the intel should provide transparent and factual answers without turning uncertainty into blame against its people or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig lauded local initiatives in improving the security situation in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that radicalism magically vanished”. He said the country must tackle root causes and political factors that fuel the reasons behind the conflict while “keep advocating for tolerance and steer clear of bias and division”.