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This was the scariest experience of his existence. Back in the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The ISIS assault claimed 15 lives, among them his wife's brother. A five-month conflict between the military and the extremist group in Marawi City came after.

“It will not happen again in Davao,” Pendon asserts.

Years later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the nation's key cities, amid international scrutiny over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi beach shooters, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who is a a massage technician at the night market, heard about the attack on the media, but similar to other locals spoken to, felt mostly disconnected.

The 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims sits in a section of the night market, looking mismatched amid the celebratory mood as crowds flocked there for food, massages and goods.

Active Investigations Amid Christmas Cheer

Examinations of the visit to the country of the duo coincides with the predominantly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been decorated with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are busy, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have emphasized the investigation into their activities is active and the true reason for their stay is remains uncertain.

“It is regrettable that real concerns are co-opted by extremism. Unfortunately, the story of savage attacks was incorrectly tied to the region's image,” noted Karlos Manlupig, leader of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Policing Record

Lorenzo is additionally assured that no one could execute another act of terror in the city long ruled by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and infamous – was established by tightly securing Davao through hardline anti-crime and drug war campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand checking bags.

The national government has denied suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, security officials say they are small and diminished.

Authorities Piece Together Activities

What is certain, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor underwent military-style training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Law enforcement have said they are “not taking lightly” the father and son's visit in the country as they map out the actions of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are numerous locations the two could have visited or connected with associates in the vicinity. Scores of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a local restaurant, where they were understood to buy their food.

Detectives are examining CCTV footage and tracking transport records to establish their movements, and that all possibilities are being considered.

Concerns in the Region Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with extremist groups in 2017, locals are worried that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and increase prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must find out what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be properly investigated and the intelligence should provide clear and truthful answers without turning uncertainty into blame against Mindanao or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig lauded local initiatives in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism simply disappeared”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and governance challenges that fuel the impulses behind the conflict while “keep advocating for acceptance and avoid discrimination and polarization”.