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That was the most terrifying experience of his life. During the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS attack claimed 15 lives, including his brother-in-law. A prolonged siege between the armed forces and the jihadist group in Marawi City ensued.

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

Years later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the country's major cities, amidst worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a masseur at the night market, heard about the attack on the television, but similar to other locals surveyed, felt mostly disconnected.

Even the 2016 bombing is a traumatic event he is trying to move on from. A remembrance marker for the 2016 fatalities sits in a corner of the night market, appearing mismatched against the celebratory atmosphere as many people came there for food, massages and trinkets.

Active Probes Amid Festive Preparations

Examinations of the visit to the country of the duo is happening while the mostly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“It surprised me 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. The government have emphasized the investigation into their activities is active and the exact reason for their visit is as yet unknown.

“It is simply regrettable that valid issues are exploited by extremism. Regrettably, the narrative of savage attacks was unfairly glued to the region's image,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Policing Record

Lorenzo is furthermore certain that nobody could perpetrate another terror attack in the city long ruled by the clan of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and notorious – was built on aggressively securitising Davao through tough law and order and anti-drug initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand checking bags.

The national government has rejected claims that it was a base for militant training for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and marginalisation that has seen some Muslim separatist groups forge ties with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are limited in size and diminished.

Police Piece Together Whereabouts

What is evident, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two never left the city nor obtained military-style training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the duo's presence in the country as they map out the actions of the father and son during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are several locations the two could have gone to or connected with associates in the area. Dozens of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a close by Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Police are analyzing security camera video and following transport records to establish their movements, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, residents are anxious that new accusations of extremism could lead to increased security measures and worsen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must determine what transpired.

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

Manlupig praised community efforts in improving the peace and order in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism simply disappeared”. He said the country must tackle socioeconomic factors and political factors that fuel the reasons behind the unrest while “keep advocating for tolerance and prevent prejudice and division”.