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That was the most terrifying moment of his life. During the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS attack left 15 dead, including his wife's brother. A lengthy conflict between the military and the jihadist group in Marawi followed.

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

Years later, the shadow of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, amidst worldwide focus over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who works as a masseur at the night market, saw news of Bondi on the television, but like other residents interviewed, felt predominantly disconnected.

Even the 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims stands in a corner of the night market, seeming out of place against the joyful mood as many people gathered there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Active Probes Amid Festive Preparations

Probes regarding the time in the Philippines of the pair coincides with the predominantly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been decorated with a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Officials have made clear the probe into their whereabouts is active and the true reason for their visit is as yet unknown.

“It is regrettable that legitimate grievances are co-opted by terrorism. Sadly, the narrative of extreme conflict was wrongly attached to the region's identity,” said Karlos Manlupig, head of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is also certain that nobody could execute another terror attack in the city long ruled by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and controversial – was forged through heavily policing Davao through strict law and order and drug war campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand checking bags.

The Philippine government has rejected suggestions that it was a terrorist training ground for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and marginalization that has seen some local militant factions establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups persist, security officials say they are limited in size and weakened.

Police Reconstruct Whereabouts

What is certain, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor received combat training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Investigators have said they are “treating with gravity” the pair’s presence in the country as they map out the activities of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are several places the two could have visited or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Scores of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a close by Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Officers are analyzing CCTV footage and following cab rides to establish their itinerary, and that all possibilities are being considered.

Fears in Marawi City Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with extremist groups in 2017, residents are worried that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must find out what transpired.

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

Manlupig praised civic actions in strengthening the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront economic and social issues and governance challenges that fuel the reasons behind the unrest while “continue pushing for acceptance and avoid prejudice and sectarianism”.