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This was the scariest time of his existence. In the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS assault claimed 15 lives, including his wife's brother. A lengthy conflict between the military and the jihadist group in Marawi came after.

“It cannot occur again in Davao,” Pendon says.

Nine years later, the specter of IS once more hangs over one of the country's largest cities, amidst worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the alleged Bondi beach shooters, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, saw news of Bondi on the media, but like other citizens interviewed, felt predominantly detached.

The 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities sits in a corner of the night market, looking incongruous amid the celebratory mood as many people gathered there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Active Investigations Amid Christmas Cheer

Investigations into the time in the Philippines of the father and son is happening while the predominantly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was taken aback 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 active and the exact reason for their trip is as yet unknown.

“It is simply a shame that valid issues are exploited by terrorism. Unfortunately, the reputation of brutal violence was wrongly attached to Mindanao’s image,” said Karlos Manlupig, head of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Safety History

Lorenzo is furthermore confident that nobody could execute another act of terror in the city historically administered by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both notable and notorious – 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 officers stand checking bags.

The national government has denied suggestions that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some Muslim separatist groups forge ties with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, security officials say they are small and degraded.

Authorities Trace Activities

What is evident, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor received military-style training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Police have said they are “taking seriously” the pair’s stay in the country as they map out the activities of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are numerous locations the two could have frequented or had meetings in the area. Scores of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a local restaurant, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Police are analyzing security camera video and tracing transport records to reconstruct their itinerary, and that every scenario are being considered.

Fears in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with IS-linked militants in 2017, locals are anxious that fresh terrorist labels could lead to tighter restrictions and deepen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must establish what took place.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be carefully probed and the intel should provide transparent and factual answers without converting questions into finger-pointing against its people or its people,” he said.

Manlupig commended civic actions in improving the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must address root causes and political factors that drive the impulses behind the unrest while “continue pushing for tolerance and prevent discrimination and polarization”.