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It was the most frightening experience of his existence. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State attack killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A five-month battle between the armed forces and the jihadist group in Marawi City came after.

“It cannot happen again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Nine years later, the shadow of IS reappears over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, amidst global attention over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi beach shooters, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who works as a massage therapist at the night market, heard about the Bondi incident on the television, but like other citizens interviewed, felt largely removed.

The 2016 blast is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 victims sits in a part of the night market, appearing mismatched amid the joyful environment as crowds gathered there for meals, massages and goods.

Active Investigations Amid Festive Celebrations

Probes regarding the time in the Philippines of the father and son is happening while the predominantly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, malls are busy, 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 travel, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the investigation into their whereabouts is continuing and the exact reason for their trip is remains unknown.

“It is simply unfortunate that legitimate grievances are co-opted by terrorism. Sadly, the reputation of brutal violence was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Safety Record

Lorenzo is furthermore assured that nobody could carry out another terrorist strike in the city long administered by the political machine of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both famous and controversial – was forged through heavily policing Davao through tough law and order and drug war policies. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand inspecting bags.

The national government has rejected claims that it was a hub for extremists for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and marginalization that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are limited in size and weakened.

Police Reconstruct Whereabouts

What is clear, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two never left the city nor underwent combat training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Police have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's visit in the country as they reconstruct the actions of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are several establishments the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Dozens of establishments sit between the hotel where they stayed and a close by Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Police are reviewing surveillance tapes and tracking transport records to reconstruct their itinerary, and that any potential lead are being explored.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are worried that renewed terrorist labels could lead to tighter restrictions and deepen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must establish what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be carefully probed and the information should provide clear and truthful answers without converting questions into blame against its people or its people,” he said.

Manlupig commended local initiatives in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “it is not true that radicalism magically vanished”. He said the country must confront root causes and political factors that motivate the motivations behind the unrest while “keep advocating for understanding and avoid bias and sectarianism”.