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It was the most frightening experience of his life. Back in the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The IS strike claimed 15 lives, among them his brother-in-law. A lengthy conflict between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi ensued.

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

Nine years later, the shadow of IS reappears over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, during global attention over the four-week stay in the city of the accused Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who works as a masseur at the night market, saw news of the attack on the television, but as with other residents spoken to, felt largely disconnected.

Even the 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A remembrance marker for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a section of the night market, appearing out of place against the festive atmosphere as crowds gathered there for meals, massages and goods.

Current Investigations Amid Holiday Celebrations

Investigations into the Philippines activities of the father and son comes as the predominantly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a tall Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have stated the inquiry into their whereabouts is continuing and the exact reason for their stay is still uncertain.

“It is regrettable that legitimate grievances are exploited by extremism. Sadly, the story of savage attacks was incorrectly tied to the island's image,” noted Karlos Manlupig, leader of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Security Legacy

Lorenzo is also assured that no one could perpetrate another act of terror in the city for a long time governed by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both renowned and controversial – was forged through tightly securing Davao through tough anti-crime and anti-drug initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has pushed back against suggestions that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of conflict and marginalisation that has seen some Muslim separatist groups establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are small and degraded.

Investigators Piece Together Movements

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

Investigators have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's presence in the country as they reconstruct the activities of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are several places the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the vicinity. Dozens of establishments sit between the hotel where they stayed and a close by Jollibee, where they were reported to buy their food.

Officers are analyzing security camera video and following taxi trips to establish their itinerary, and that every scenario are being considered.

Concerns in the Region Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with extremist groups in 2017, residents are anxious that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and increase discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must establish what happened.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be thoroughly examined and the intelligence should provide clear and truthful answers without turning uncertainty into accusations against Mindanao or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig lauded local initiatives in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront root causes and governance challenges that motivate the reasons behind the unrest while “continue pushing for understanding and steer clear of bias and polarization”.