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It was the most frightening moment of his existence. During the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The ISIS assault left 15 dead, among them his wife's brother. A prolonged siege between the military and the militant group in the city of Marawi ensued.

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

Years later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the country's largest cities, amid worldwide focus over the 28-day stay in the city of the accused Bondi beach shooters, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who works as a massage technician at the night market, saw news of Bondi on the television, but like other residents surveyed, felt predominantly disconnected.

The 2016 blast is a painful recollection he is working to forget. A remembrance marker for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a part of the night market, appearing out of place against the festive environment as hundreds flocked there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Active Inquiries Amid Christmas Preparations

Investigations into the visit to the country of the father and son is happening while the overwhelmingly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been adorned with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Officials have made clear the probe into their whereabouts is continuing and the precise reason for their stay is as yet unclear.

“It is simply unfortunate that valid issues are hijacked by extremism. Sadly, the reputation of savage attacks was incorrectly tied to Mindanao’s identity,” noted Karlos Manlupig, head of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Safety Record

Lorenzo is also certain that no one could execute another act of terror in the city for a long time ruled by the clan of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both famous and notorious – was forged through aggressively securitising Davao through strict law and order and drug war campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four officers stand searching bags.

The national government has rejected claims that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are small and weakened.

Investigators Trace Activities

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

Police have said they are “not taking lightly” the duo's visit in the country as they piece together the movements of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are several places the two could have gone to or had meetings in the neighborhood. Scores of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a close by Jollibee, where they were reported to buy their food.

Officers are examining surveillance tapes and following cab rides to reconstruct their whereabouts, and that all possibilities are being considered.

Worries in the Region Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are concerned that renewed terrorist labels could lead to increased security measures and increase prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must find out what happened.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be carefully probed and the information should provide accurate and honest answers without turning uncertainty into accusations against its people or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig commended community efforts in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that extremism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront economic and social issues and governance challenges that drive the reasons behind the violence while “keep advocating for understanding and prevent bias and division”.