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That was the scariest moment of his life. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a detonation at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS strike killed 15, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged battle between the military and the extremist group in Marawi City came after.

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

Years later, the specter of IS reappears over one of the Philippines’ largest cities, during international scrutiny over the month-long stay in the city of the suspected Bondi beach shooters, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, saw news of the Bondi incident on the news, but like other residents spoken to, felt largely disconnected.

The 2016 blast is a painful recollection he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 victims sits in a section of the night market, appearing incongruous amid the joyful mood as many people flocked there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Current Probes Amid Christmas Preparations

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the duo coincides with the mostly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have emphasized the inquiry into their whereabouts is ongoing and the precise reason for their trip is still uncertain.

“It is just unfortunate that real concerns are co-opted by radicalism. Unfortunately, the story of brutal violence was unfairly glued to the region's identity,” noted Karlos Manlupig, executive director of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Policing History

Lorenzo is additionally certain that nobody could execute another act of terror in the city for a long time administered by the political machine of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and controversial – was established by 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 rejected allegations that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of instability and disenfranchisement that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, security officials say they are small and weakened.

Police Reconstruct Activities

What is evident, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor received combat training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Law enforcement have said they are “taking seriously” the father and son's stay in the country as they piece together the activities of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are several establishments the two could have frequented or had meetings in the neighborhood. Dozens of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a nearby popular fast food chain, where they were reported to buy their meals.

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

Fears in Marawi City Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with IS-linked militants in 2017, locals are concerned that fresh terrorist labels could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must establish what happened.

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

Manlupig praised local initiatives in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that motivate the impulses behind the unrest while “keep advocating for acceptance and steer clear of discrimination and sectarianism”.