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That was the most terrifying time of his existence. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The IS assault left 15 dead, including his brother-in-law. A prolonged conflict between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi ensued.

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

Nearly a decade later, the shadow of IS once more hangs over one of the nation's major cities, during global attention over the four-week stay in the city of the alleged Bondi beach shooters, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who makes a living as a masseur at the night market, learned of Bondi on the television, but as with other citizens spoken to, felt mostly removed.

Even the 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a section of the night market, appearing incongruous amidst the festive mood as hundreds gathered there for food, massages and goods.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Holiday Preparations

Probes regarding the time in the Philippines of the duo is happening while the mostly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been adorned with a towering Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Officials have emphasized the investigation into their whereabouts is ongoing and the precise reason for their trip is still unknown.

“It is simply unfortunate that valid issues are hijacked by extremism. Unfortunately, the reputation of brutal violence was unfairly glued to the region's identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, head of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is also assured that no one could carry out another terrorist strike in the city long ruled by the political machine of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both renowned and notorious – was established by heavily policing Davao through hardline law and order and anti-drug campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand inspecting bags.

The national government has denied claims that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of instability and disenfranchisement that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are limited in size and weakened.

Authorities Trace Whereabouts

What is clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor received combat training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Law enforcement have said they are “treating with gravity” the father and son's stay in the country as they map out the movements of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are numerous establishments the two could have visited or met contacts in the area. Scores of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a close by restaurant, where they were reported to buy their food.

Police are examining security camera video and tracing cab rides to reconstruct their itinerary, and that every scenario are being explored.

Fears in the Region Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are anxious that new associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen prejudice against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] time here should be properly investigated and the intel should provide accurate and honest answers without transforming doubt into blame against the region or its people,” he said.

Manlupig lauded local initiatives in strengthening the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism magically vanished”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and governance challenges that drive the impulses behind the conflict while “continue pushing for tolerance and steer clear of prejudice and sectarianism”.