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This was the most terrifying moment of his existence. In the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State assault killed 15, among them his wife's brother. A prolonged battle between the military and the extremist group in Marawi ensued.

“It won’t take place again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Nearly a decade later, the shadow of IS once more hangs over one of the nation's key cities, amid global attention over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, heard about Bondi on the television, but like other citizens interviewed, felt mostly detached.

Even the 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is working to forget. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims sits in a corner of the night market, appearing mismatched against the festive environment as crowds came there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Christmas Celebrations

Examinations of the visit to the country of the duo comes as the mostly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a towering Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children knock on doors 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. The government have made clear the inquiry into their whereabouts is ongoing and the true reason for their visit is remains unknown.

“It is a shame that legitimate grievances are co-opted by terrorism. Unfortunately, the reputation of brutal violence was unfairly glued to the region's image,” stated Karlos Manlupig, head of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is additionally assured that no one could execute another act of terror in the city historically administered by the political machine of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and infamous – was established by aggressively securitising Davao through tough law and order and anti-drug initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand checking bags.

The national government has denied allegations that it was a hub for extremists for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and marginalisation that has seen some Muslim separatist groups form alliances with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are limited in size and diminished.

Investigators Reconstruct Movements

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

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

Investigators say there are numerous places the two could have gone to or had meetings in the vicinity. Dozens of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a nearby Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their food.

Officers are examining surveillance tapes and following cab rides to reconstruct their movements, and that every scenario are being considered.

Fears in the Region Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are worried that fresh accusations of extremism could lead to tighter restrictions and increase prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member 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 accurate and honest answers without turning uncertainty into blame against its people or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig praised local initiatives in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism magically vanished”. He said the country must tackle socioeconomic factors and political factors that fuel the reasons behind the unrest while “persist in promoting understanding and steer clear of bias and division”.