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That was the most terrifying experience of his existence. During the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The ISIS attack left 15 dead, among them his brother-in-law. A lengthy battle between the armed forces and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi ensued.

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

Years later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the nation's largest cities, amid 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 masseur at the night market, learned of the Bondi incident on the media, but like other citizens interviewed, felt largely disconnected.

Even the 2016 bombing is a bad memory he is working to forget. A monument for the 2016 victims is placed in a corner of the night market, seeming out of place amid the celebratory atmosphere as crowds flocked there for meals, massages and goods.

Current Probes Amid Christmas Celebrations

Investigations into the time in the Philippines of the father and son comes as the mostly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been adorned with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are busy, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have emphasized the probe into their activities is ongoing and the exact reason for their stay is as yet unclear.

“It is just regrettable that real concerns are hijacked by terrorism. Regrettably, the narrative of extreme conflict was incorrectly tied to Mindanao’s identity,” said Karlos Manlupig, executive director of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is also certain that no one could perpetrate another act of terror in the city for a long time ruled by the political machine of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and notorious – was built on aggressively securitising Davao through tough anti-crime and anti-drug campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand checking bags.

The Philippine government has denied allegations that it was a terrorist training ground for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of unrest and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are small and weakened.

Authorities Piece Together Movements

What is evident, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor underwent weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Police have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's stay in the country as they reconstruct the activities of the father and son during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are numerous establishments the two could have gone to or had meetings in the vicinity. Scores of businesses sit between the hotel where they stayed and a local popular fast food chain, where they were understood to buy their food.

Officers are analyzing security camera video and following transport records to establish their movements, and that any potential lead are being entertained.

Fears in the Region Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are worried that fresh terrorist labels could lead to tighter restrictions and deepen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must find out what transpired.

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

Manlupig lauded community efforts in improving the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “it is not true that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront economic and social issues and governance challenges that drive the motivations behind the unrest while “keep advocating for acceptance and avoid bias and division”.