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This was the most terrifying time of his existence. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The Islamic State attack left 15 dead, among them his brother-in-law. A lengthy battle between the military and the extremist group in the city of Marawi came after.

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

Years later, the shadow of IS reappears over one of the nation's key cities, amidst worldwide focus over the four-week stay in the city of the suspected Bondi suspects, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who works as a massage technician at the night market, heard about the Bondi incident on the television, but similar to other citizens spoken to, felt largely detached.

The 2016 bombing is a bad memory he is working to forget. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims is placed in a part of the night market, appearing out of place amid the festive mood as many people came there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Active Inquiries Amid Festive Cheer

Examinations of the time in the Philippines of the father and son is happening while the mostly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have emphasized the probe into their activities is active and the true reason for their visit is as yet unknown.

“It is unfortunate that legitimate grievances are exploited by terrorism. Regrettably, the reputation of brutal violence was incorrectly tied to Mindanao’s image,” noted Karlos Manlupig, executive director of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Policing History

Lorenzo is furthermore confident that no one could execute another act of terror in the city for a long time ruled by the family of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both renowned and notorious – was established by aggressively securitising Davao through tough anti-crime and anti-drug policies. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has pushed back against suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of instability and disenfranchisement that has seen some Islamic independence movements forge ties with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are small and diminished.

Investigators Reconstruct Movements

What is certain, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor received weapons training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Investigators have said they are “not taking lightly” the father and son's stay in the country as they piece together the activities of the father and son during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are several locations the two could have gone to or connected with associates in the vicinity. Dozens of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a nearby restaurant, where they were known to buy their food.

Police are examining security camera video and tracing cab rides to piece together their movements, and that every scenario are being explored.

Worries in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are concerned that renewed terrorist labels could lead to tighter restrictions and deepen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must determine what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be properly investigated and the intelligence should provide accurate and honest answers without converting questions into finger-pointing against its people or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig lauded civic actions in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that extremism magically vanished”. He said the country must tackle root causes and governance challenges that drive the reasons behind the conflict while “keep advocating for understanding and avoid discrimination and sectarianism”.