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This was the scariest moment of his existence. Back in September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS attack killed 15, including his wife's brother. A lengthy siege between the armed forces and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi followed.

“It won’t occur again in Davao,” Pendon says.

Nine years later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ key cities, amidst international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi beach shooters, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, learned of the attack on the television, but similar to other locals spoken to, felt largely detached.

Even the 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 fatalities stands in a part of the night market, appearing incongruous amidst the festive mood as crowds came there for food, massages and goods.

Current Investigations Amid Christmas Cheer

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the pair comes as the predominantly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been adorned with a tall Christmas tree, malls 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 travel, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have made clear the investigation into their activities is continuing and the true reason for their visit is remains uncertain.

“It is regrettable that legitimate grievances are exploited by extremism. Unfortunately, the story of extreme conflict was wrongly attached to Mindanao’s image,” noted Karlos Manlupig, executive director of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Security Legacy

Lorenzo is additionally certain that nobody could execute another terror attack in the city for a long time governed by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and controversial – was established by tightly securing Davao through tough anti-crime and anti-drug campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand inspecting bags.

The Philippine government has denied allegations that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some Muslim separatist groups forge ties with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, security officials say they are limited in size and degraded.

Investigators Piece Together Activities

What is evident, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two never left the city nor underwent weapons training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Investigators have said they are “taking seriously” the father and son's stay in the country as they piece together the actions of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are several locations the two could have frequented or met contacts in the vicinity. Scores of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a nearby restaurant, where they were known to buy their food.

Officers are analyzing CCTV footage and tracing cab rides to reconstruct their movements, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Fears in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with extremist groups in 2017, inhabitants are concerned that new terrorist labels could lead to heightened securitisation and deepen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must find out what happened.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be thoroughly examined and the intel should provide accurate and honest answers without turning uncertainty into accusations against Mindanao or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig lauded local initiatives in strengthening the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must address root causes and governance challenges that drive the motivations behind the unrest while “persist in promoting tolerance and avoid bias and sectarianism”.