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This was the most frightening moment of his life. Back in September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State strike claimed 15 lives, including his wife's brother. A five-month battle between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi City ensued.

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

Nine years later, the shadow of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ major cities, during worldwide focus over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, saw news of the attack on the media, but similar to other locals surveyed, felt predominantly detached.

The 2016 attack is a bad memory he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a corner of the night market, looking out of place amidst the joyful environment as hundreds came there for food, massages and goods.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Festive Celebrations

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the pair is happening while the predominantly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been adorned with a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, 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 tourism, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have made clear the investigation into their actions is active and the true reason for their trip is remains uncertain.

“It is simply unfortunate that valid issues are co-opted by terrorism. Regrettably, the story of savage attacks was incorrectly tied to the region's image,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety History

Lorenzo is additionally certain that nobody could execute another terror attack in the city for a long time governed by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both notable and controversial – was established by heavily policing Davao through hardline law and order and anti-drug campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand inspecting bags.

The national government has denied claims that it was a base for militant training for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are small and weakened.

Police Reconstruct Activities

What is clear, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor received weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Police have said they are “taking seriously” the pair’s presence in the country as they map out the actions of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are many establishments the two could have gone to or had meetings in the vicinity. Many of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a nearby restaurant, where they were known to buy their food.

Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage and following taxi trips to establish their movements, and that every scenario are being considered.

Worries in Marawi City Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are worried that new associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and increase bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must establish what took place.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be carefully probed and the intel should provide transparent and factual answers without turning uncertainty into accusations against its people or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig praised civic actions in improving the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism simply disappeared”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and political factors that motivate the motivations behind the conflict while “persist in promoting tolerance and avoid prejudice and division”.