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It was the most terrifying time of his existence. In the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State attack killed 15, among them his brother-in-law. A five-month battle between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi City came after.

“It will not take place again in Davao,” Pendon asserts.

Years later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, during worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who makes a living as a masseur at the night market, learned of the attack on the news, but as with other residents interviewed, felt largely disconnected.

Even the 2016 blast is a bad memory he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 deaths sits in a part of the night market, seeming out of place amidst the celebratory atmosphere as many people came there for food, massages and trinkets.

Ongoing Probes Amid Festive Cheer

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the duo coincides with the predominantly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have made clear the investigation into their activities is continuing and the precise reason for their trip is still uncertain.

“It is simply regrettable that legitimate grievances are hijacked by extremism. Regrettably, the reputation of brutal violence was wrongly attached to Mindanao’s character,” noted Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is furthermore confident that nobody could execute another terrorist strike in the city for a long time administered by the political machine of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both famous and infamous – was established by heavily policing Davao through hardline anti-crime and drug war campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand inspecting bags.

The national government has denied allegations that it was a base for militant training for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of unrest and disenfranchisement that has seen some Muslim separatist groups establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are limited in size and diminished.

Police Piece Together Whereabouts

What is evident, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor received military-style training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Investigators have said they are “treating with gravity” the pair’s visit in the country as they piece together the movements of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are numerous locations the two could have frequented or had meetings in the neighborhood. Many of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a close by Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their food.

Detectives are reviewing security camera video and following transport records to establish their whereabouts, and that every scenario are being considered.

Worries in the Region Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are anxious that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and deepen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must determine what took place.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be properly investigated and the intelligence should provide accurate and honest answers without converting questions into blame against the region or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig commended local initiatives in improving the security situation in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle economic and social issues and governance challenges that motivate the reasons behind the conflict while “continue pushing for acceptance and prevent discrimination and polarization”.