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This was the most terrifying moment of his existence. Back in the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a detonation at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS assault claimed 15 lives, including his brother-in-law. A lengthy battle between the army and the extremist group in the city of Marawi ensued.

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

Nearly a decade later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the nation's largest cities, during global attention over the four-week stay in the city of the accused Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who works as a massage therapist at the night market, learned of the attack on the news, but like other residents interviewed, felt predominantly disconnected.

Even the 2016 attack is a bad memory he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 fatalities stands in a part of the night market, appearing incongruous amidst the celebratory environment as hundreds flocked there for food, massages and goods.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Holiday Preparations

Investigations into the time in the Philippines of the pair is happening while the mostly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, malls 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 sightseeing, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have emphasized the investigation into their whereabouts is ongoing and the precise reason for their trip is still uncertain.

“It is simply regrettable that legitimate grievances are hijacked by radicalism. Sadly, the reputation of brutal violence was incorrectly tied to the region's character,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Security Record

Lorenzo is additionally certain that no one could carry out another act of terror in the city for a long time administered by the political machine of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both renowned and notorious – was built on heavily policing Davao through strict anti-crime and anti-drug initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand checking bags.

The national government has pushed back against claims that it was a base for militant training for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of unrest and marginalization that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups persist, authorities say they are limited in size and diminished.

Police Piece Together Movements

What is certain, stated 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 “not taking lightly” the duo's presence in the country as they map out the activities of the father and son during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are many places the two could have visited or connected with associates in the vicinity. Dozens of establishments sit between the hotel where they stayed and a close by restaurant, where they were reported to buy their food.

Police are reviewing security camera video and tracking cab rides to piece together their itinerary, and that all possibilities are being entertained.

Fears in the Region Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with extremist groups in 2017, residents are worried that fresh terrorist labels could lead to increased security measures and increase prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must establish what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be properly investigated and the intelligence should provide transparent and factual answers without transforming doubt into accusations against its people or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig commended local initiatives in improving the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must address root causes and political factors that drive the motivations behind the violence while “continue pushing for understanding and prevent prejudice and sectarianism”.