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This was the scariest time of his existence. Back in September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The Islamic State assault claimed 15 lives, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged siege between the military and the jihadist group in Marawi City ensued.

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

Nine years later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the nation's largest cities, amidst worldwide focus over the four-week stay in the city of the suspected Bondi suspects, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who works as a massage technician at the night market, heard about the attack on the television, but similar to other locals surveyed, felt predominantly disconnected.

Even the 2016 blast is a bad memory he is working to forget. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims stands in a part of the night market, looking mismatched amidst the festive environment as hundreds gathered there for food, massages and goods.

Current Inquiries Amid Christmas Preparations

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the father and son comes as the mostly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have stated the probe into their actions is continuing and the precise reason for their trip is still unknown.

“It is simply a shame that legitimate grievances are exploited by extremism. Regrettably, the reputation of savage attacks was wrongly attached to the region's image,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Policing History

Lorenzo is also assured that nobody could perpetrate another terror attack in the city for a long time administered by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and notorious – was forged through heavily policing Davao through strict law and order and drug war campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand checking bags.

The national government has pushed back against claims that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some Muslim separatist groups establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, security officials say they are small and weakened.

Investigators Trace Activities

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

Investigators have said they are “not taking lightly” the pair’s visit in the country as they piece together the actions of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are several places the two could have gone to or met contacts in the area. Many of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a nearby restaurant, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Detectives are examining CCTV footage and following taxi trips to establish their whereabouts, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Worries in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with extremist groups in 2017, inhabitants are worried that fresh associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and increase discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must find out what took place.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be properly investigated and the intelligence should provide transparent and factual answers without transforming doubt into accusations against Mindanao or its people,” he said.

Manlupig commended civic actions in improving the peace and order in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that extremism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that fuel the motivations behind the violence while “keep advocating for understanding and avoid prejudice and division”.