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That was the most terrifying experience of his life. During the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The ISIS attack left 15 dead, including his brother-in-law. A lengthy conflict between the armed forces and the jihadist group in Marawi City came after.

“It cannot happen again in Davao,” Pendon asserts.

Years later, the shadow of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ key cities, amidst worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the alleged Bondi beach shooters, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, learned of the Bondi incident on the news, but like other citizens surveyed, felt mostly disconnected.

The 2016 blast is a bad memory he is trying to move on from. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims stands in a section of the night market, appearing mismatched amid the celebratory mood as hundreds flocked there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Active Probes Amid Christmas Preparations

Investigations into the visit to the country of the father and son is happening while the predominantly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the investigation into their activities is ongoing and the exact reason for their trip is remains uncertain.

“It is regrettable that valid issues are hijacked by terrorism. Regrettably, the reputation of brutal violence was unfairly glued to the island's identity,” noted Karlos Manlupig, head of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Policing Record

Lorenzo is also assured that nobody could perpetrate another act of terror in the city for a long time administered by the clan of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and controversial – was established by tightly securing Davao through strict anti-crime and anti-drug campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand checking bags.

The Philippine government has rejected claims that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of conflict and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements forge ties with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are limited in size and degraded.

Police Reconstruct Activities

What is certain, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two never left the city nor underwent military-style training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Law enforcement have said they are “not taking lightly” the father and son's stay in the country as they map out 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 connected with associates in the neighborhood. Dozens of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a close by restaurant, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Police are analyzing security camera video and tracing transport records to piece together their itinerary, and that all possibilities are being considered.

Concerns in the Region Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with IS-linked militants in 2017, locals are worried that fresh associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and increase discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must find out what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be carefully probed and the intel should provide transparent and factual answers without turning uncertainty into accusations against the region or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig commended local initiatives in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that drive the motivations behind the conflict while “continue pushing for understanding and steer clear of discrimination and polarization”.