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That was the scariest moment of his life. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State attack killed 15, among them his wife's brother. A prolonged battle between the military and the extremist group in the city of Marawi followed.

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

Nine years later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the nation's major cities, amid global attention over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a massage technician at the night market, heard about Bondi on the news, but similar to other residents interviewed, felt predominantly disconnected.

The 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is trying to move on from. A monument for the 2016 victims sits in a section of the night market, appearing incongruous amid the joyful atmosphere as hundreds flocked there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Current Probes Amid Christmas Celebrations

Probes regarding the time in the Philippines of the father and son comes as the predominantly Catholic country is gearing up 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 sightseeing, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the probe into their whereabouts is continuing and the exact reason for their visit is still uncertain.

“It is just unfortunate that legitimate grievances are hijacked by radicalism. Sadly, the narrative of brutal violence was wrongly attached to Mindanao’s identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Policing History

Lorenzo is also assured that no one could execute another terror attack in the city historically governed by the family of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and notorious – was built on tightly securing Davao through tough law and order and anti-drug campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand checking bags.

The national government has denied allegations that it was a terrorist training ground for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are small and weakened.

Police Piece Together Movements

What is certain, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor obtained military-style training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Law enforcement have said they are “not taking lightly” the duo's visit in the country as they reconstruct the activities of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are many places the two could have visited or had meetings in the vicinity. Scores of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a nearby restaurant, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Detectives are examining CCTV footage and tracking cab rides to piece together their whereabouts, and that any potential lead are being explored.

Worries in the Region Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, locals are concerned that new associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and increase bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must determine what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be thoroughly examined and the intelligence should provide transparent and factual answers without converting questions into finger-pointing against Mindanao or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig commended local initiatives in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that radicalism magically vanished”. He said the country must tackle root causes and political factors that fuel the reasons behind the unrest while “continue pushing for understanding and prevent discrimination and sectarianism”.