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That was the scariest moment of his existence. Back in the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a detonation at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State assault killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A five-month conflict between the armed forces and the extremist group in the city of Marawi came after.

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

Years later, the threat of IS again looms over one of the nation's major cities, amidst global attention over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, learned of the attack on the television, but as with other locals spoken to, felt mostly disconnected.

The 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities sits in a part of the night market, appearing out of place amidst the joyful environment as hundreds flocked there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Current Investigations Amid Holiday Celebrations

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the father and son comes as the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have made clear the inquiry into their actions is continuing and the true reason for their trip is remains unclear.

“It is unfortunate that legitimate grievances are hijacked by terrorism. Regrettably, the story of savage attacks was wrongly attached to the island's identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, executive director of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety History

Lorenzo is furthermore confident that no one could carry out another terrorist strike in the city long administered by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both renowned and notorious – was forged through tightly securing Davao through tough law and order and drug war policies. At an entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has rejected 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 local militant factions forge ties with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are small and degraded.

Police Reconstruct Activities

What is clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two never left the city nor received combat training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Law enforcement have said they are “treating with gravity” the father and son's stay in the country as they reconstruct the activities of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are several establishments the two could have visited or connected with associates in the vicinity. Scores of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a close by Jollibee, where they were known to buy their meals.

Police are examining surveillance tapes and tracing taxi trips to establish their itinerary, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Fears in Marawi City Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are worried that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and deepen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must find out what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be properly investigated and the intel should provide accurate and honest answers without turning uncertainty into blame against the region or its people,” he said.

Manlupig commended local initiatives in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that fuel the impulses behind the conflict while “keep advocating for tolerance and avoid discrimination and division”.