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That was the most terrifying experience of his existence. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a detonation at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS attack killed 15, including his wife's brother. A prolonged siege between the army and the militant group in the city of Marawi ensued.

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

Nearly a decade later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ major cities, amidst international scrutiny over the month-long stay in the city of the alleged Bondi attackers, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a masseur at the night market, learned of the attack on the media, but as with other citizens spoken to, felt largely disconnected.

The 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 deaths stands in a section of the night market, looking out of place amid the joyful mood as many people flocked there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Current Investigations Amid Festive Celebrations

Investigations into the Philippines activities of the duo comes as the predominantly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been lit up by a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have stated the investigation into their activities is active and the precise reason for their trip is as yet unknown.

“It is a shame that valid issues are exploited by terrorism. Regrettably, the reputation of brutal violence was unfairly glued to the island's character,” noted Karlos Manlupig, head of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety Record

Lorenzo is additionally certain that no one could execute another terror attack in the city long administered by the family of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both famous and notorious – was forged through tightly securing Davao through strict law and order and anti-drug policies. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand searching bags.

The national government has denied allegations that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are limited in size and weakened.

Authorities Trace Whereabouts

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

Law enforcement have said they are “taking seriously” the pair’s visit in the country as they map out the activities of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are several locations the two could have frequented or met contacts in the neighborhood. Many of outlets sit between the GV Hotel and a close by restaurant, where they were understood to buy their food.

Police are analyzing surveillance tapes and tracing taxi trips to reconstruct their movements, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Worries in the Region Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, residents are anxious that renewed terrorist labels could lead to heightened securitisation and increase prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must find out what took place.

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

Manlupig praised community efforts in improving the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that extremism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront root causes and governance challenges that fuel the motivations behind the conflict while “keep advocating for tolerance and steer clear of discrimination and sectarianism”.