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It was the most frightening time of his life. In the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The Islamic State strike claimed 15 lives, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged battle between the armed forces and the jihadist group in Marawi City came after.

“It cannot occur again in Davao,” Pendon says.

Nearly a decade later, the threat of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, amidst 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 makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, heard about the attack on the television, but as with other citizens spoken to, felt mostly removed.

Even the 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is working to forget. A monument for the 2016 victims is placed in a section of the night market, appearing mismatched amid the joyful environment as many people came there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Christmas Cheer

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the father and son coincides with the mostly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been decorated with a tall Christmas tree, malls are packed, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Officials have made clear the investigation into their activities is continuing and the precise reason for their stay is remains uncertain.

“It is simply a shame that valid issues are hijacked by radicalism. Unfortunately, the story of extreme conflict was incorrectly tied to the island's image,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Policing Record

Lorenzo is also assured that nobody could perpetrate another act of terror in the city long administered by the clan of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both famous and controversial – was forged through aggressively securitising Davao through tough law and order and anti-drug campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand searching bags.

The national government has pushed back against claims that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of conflict and marginalization that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups persist, security officials say they are small and diminished.

Investigators Piece Together Movements

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

Police have said they are “not taking lightly” the father and son's presence in the country as they map out the actions of the suspects during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are numerous places the two could have frequented or had meetings in the neighborhood. Dozens of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a nearby popular fast food chain, where they were reported to buy their food.

Detectives are reviewing surveillance tapes and tracking transport records to piece together their whereabouts, and that any potential lead are being explored.

Worries in Marawi City Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, residents are worried that new accusations of extremism could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must determine what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be properly investigated and the intel should provide clear and truthful answers without turning uncertainty into finger-pointing against the region or its people,” he said.

Manlupig commended local initiatives in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism was eradicated”. He said the country must address socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that fuel the reasons behind the conflict while “keep advocating for understanding and avoid discrimination and polarization”.