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That was the most terrifying time of his existence. In 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The IS assault left 15 dead, including his brother-in-law. A five-month battle between the military and the militant group in the city of Marawi ensued.

“It cannot take place again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Nine years later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the nation's key cities, amidst global attention over the four-week stay in the city of the alleged Bondi attackers, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, heard about Bondi on the television, but like other locals spoken to, felt largely disconnected.

Even the 2016 attack is a bad memory he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 deaths sits in a section of the night market, looking out of place amid the celebratory mood as many people came there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Current Probes Amid Christmas Celebrations

Probes regarding the time in the Philippines of the father and son coincides with the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have stated the inquiry into their actions is continuing and the precise reason for their stay is remains unknown.

“It is unfortunate that legitimate grievances are co-opted by terrorism. Sadly, the reputation of extreme conflict was incorrectly tied to Mindanao’s image,” noted Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Policing History

Lorenzo is also certain that nobody could carry out another terrorist strike in the city historically ruled by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both famous and notorious – was forged through tightly securing Davao through hardline law and order and drug war campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand inspecting bags.

The Philippine government has denied claims that it was a base for militant training for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of instability and marginalization that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are limited in size and degraded.

Police Trace Activities

What is evident, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two never left the city nor obtained weapons training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Law enforcement have said they are “not taking lightly” the pair’s stay in the country as they piece together the activities of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are numerous establishments the two could have visited or met contacts in the vicinity. Scores of outlets sit between the hotel where they stayed and a close by popular fast food chain, where they were understood to buy their food.

Police are analyzing security camera video and following cab rides to establish their whereabouts, and that all possibilities are being entertained.

Fears in the Region Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, residents are worried that fresh associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and worsen prejudice against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] visit should be properly investigated and the intel should provide transparent and factual answers without converting questions into accusations against Mindanao or its people,” he said.

Manlupig praised local initiatives in improving the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and political factors that fuel the impulses behind the violence while “continue pushing for tolerance and prevent prejudice and sectarianism”.