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That was the most terrifying time of his life. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State attack left 15 dead, including his brother-in-law. A lengthy siege between the armed forces and the jihadist group in Marawi City ensued.

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

Nine years later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ major cities, during international scrutiny over the four-week stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, heard about the Bondi incident on the television, but similar to other citizens surveyed, felt largely removed.

Even the 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A memorial for the 2016 victims is placed in a section of the night market, looking out of place amidst the festive mood as hundreds came there for food, massages and goods.

Current Inquiries Amid Christmas Celebrations

Investigations into the visit to the country of the father and son coincides with the predominantly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have made clear the inquiry into their actions is ongoing and the true reason for their trip is remains unknown.

“It is just unfortunate that valid issues are hijacked by radicalism. Sadly, the story of extreme conflict was incorrectly tied to Mindanao’s identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, head of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is also certain that nobody could perpetrate another terror attack in the city long ruled by the political machine of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and notorious – was forged through heavily policing Davao through strict anti-crime and anti-drug campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has pushed back against suggestions that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, security officials say they are limited in size and diminished.

Police Reconstruct Whereabouts

What is certain, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor obtained military-style training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Police have said they are “not taking lightly” the pair’s visit in the country as they map out the actions of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are numerous establishments the two could have gone to or met contacts in the area. Many of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a nearby Jollibee, where they were known to buy their meals.

Police are examining surveillance tapes and tracing transport records to reconstruct their movements, and that any potential lead are being entertained.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with extremist groups in 2017, locals are worried that renewed terrorist labels could lead to increased security measures and increase discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must determine what happened.

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

Manlupig lauded civic actions in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism magically vanished”. He said the country must address root causes and political factors that motivate the impulses behind the unrest while “keep advocating for tolerance and avoid prejudice and division”.