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This was the most terrifying experience of his existence. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The ISIS strike killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A lengthy siege between the army and the militant group in Marawi followed.

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

Nine years later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the country's major cities, amidst international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi beach shooters, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who works as a masseur at the night market, learned of the attack on the media, but as with other residents interviewed, felt predominantly removed.

Even the 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims stands in a corner of the night market, looking incongruous against the celebratory atmosphere as many people gathered there for meals, massages and goods.

Active Probes Amid Festive Cheer

Probes regarding the time in the Philippines of the father and son comes as the overwhelmingly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was surprised 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 stated the investigation into their whereabouts is continuing and the precise reason for their trip is remains uncertain.

“It is just regrettable that legitimate grievances are co-opted by extremism. Sadly, the narrative of brutal violence was incorrectly tied to Mindanao’s image,” noted Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety Record

Lorenzo is furthermore assured that no one could execute another terror attack in the city historically administered by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and infamous – was forged through heavily policing Davao through hardline law and order and anti-drug initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has pushed back against suggestions that it was a terrorist training ground 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 international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are limited in size and weakened.

Investigators Reconstruct Activities

What is clear, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor underwent weapons training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Investigators have said they are “treating with gravity” the pair’s presence in the country as they reconstruct the movements of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are several places the two could have visited or had meetings in the vicinity. Scores of outlets sit between the GV Hotel and a local Jollibee, where they were reported to buy their food.

Police are examining surveillance tapes and tracking taxi trips to reconstruct their movements, and that all possibilities are being entertained.

Fears in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with extremist groups in 2017, locals are anxious that new accusations of extremism could lead to heightened securitisation and deepen prejudice against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] time here should be thoroughly examined and the intel should provide accurate and honest answers without turning uncertainty into blame against Mindanao or its people,” he said.

Manlupig lauded community efforts in strengthening the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that radicalism simply disappeared”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and governance challenges that motivate the impulses behind the conflict while “persist in promoting acceptance and avoid discrimination and polarization”.