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That was the most terrifying experience of his life. Back in the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State strike claimed 15 lives, including his wife's brother. A five-month siege between the army and the extremist group in Marawi City followed.

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

Years later, the specter of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ major cities, during international scrutiny over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a massage technician at the night market, heard about the Bondi incident on the news, but as with other citizens interviewed, felt predominantly disconnected.

The 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 deaths is placed in a section of the night market, looking mismatched against the festive atmosphere as many people came there for food, massages and goods.

Active Probes Amid Holiday Cheer

Investigations into the time in the Philippines of the father and son is happening while the predominantly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was taken aback 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 stated the probe into their whereabouts is active and the exact reason for their visit is remains uncertain.

“It is a shame that valid issues are hijacked by terrorism. Sadly, the reputation of brutal violence was wrongly attached to the island's character,” said Karlos Manlupig, head of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Security History

Lorenzo is furthermore confident that no one could perpetrate another terror attack in the city for a long time ruled by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and controversial – was established by tightly securing Davao through hardline law and order and anti-drug policies. At an entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand searching bags.

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

Investigators Trace Activities

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

Investigators have said they are “not taking lightly” the pair’s stay in the country as they map out the activities of the suspects during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are many places the two could have gone to or had meetings in the vicinity. Dozens of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a local popular fast food chain, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Officers are examining CCTV footage and following taxi trips to reconstruct their itinerary, and that all possibilities are being considered.

Concerns in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are anxious that new terrorist labels could lead to increased security measures and deepen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must find out what happened.

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

Manlupig praised local initiatives in improving the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism was eradicated”. He said the country must address root causes and political factors that fuel the motivations behind the conflict while “continue pushing for tolerance and prevent discrimination and polarization”.