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This was the most frightening moment of his existence. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a detonation at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The Islamic State strike claimed 15 lives, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged siege between the army and the militant group in Marawi City came after.

“It won’t take place again in Davao,” Pendon asserts.

Nine years later, the shadow of IS once more hangs over one of the country's key cities, amidst worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi beach shooters, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, heard about Bondi on the television, but like other locals spoken to, felt largely detached.

The 2016 bombing is a bad memory he is trying to move on from. A remembrance marker for the 2016 deaths is placed in a section of the night market, looking mismatched against the festive mood as hundreds gathered there for food, massages and goods.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Festive Cheer

Examinations of the time in the Philippines of the father and son comes as the overwhelmingly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have stated the inquiry into their actions is continuing and the precise reason for their visit is still unknown.

“It is simply a shame that real concerns are exploited by extremism. Sadly, the story of extreme conflict was wrongly attached to Mindanao’s identity,” noted Karlos Manlupig, head of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Safety Record

Lorenzo is also confident that no one could execute another terror attack in the city for a long time ruled by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and infamous – was established by heavily policing Davao through tough law and order and anti-drug initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand inspecting bags.

The Philippine government has pushed back against suggestions that it was a terrorist training ground for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of instability and marginalization that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are limited in size and degraded.

Police Reconstruct Activities

What is evident, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor underwent weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Investigators have said they are “treating with gravity” the pair’s visit in the country as they piece together the movements of the suspects during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Police say there are many establishments the two could have visited or had meetings in the neighborhood. Many of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a local Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their food.

Officers are analyzing CCTV footage and following transport records to reconstruct their itinerary, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Concerns in the Region Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are concerned that new accusations of extremism could lead to heightened securitisation and increase bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must establish what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be carefully probed and the intel should provide clear and truthful answers without transforming doubt into blame against Mindanao or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig praised civic actions in strengthening the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must address socioeconomic factors and political factors that motivate the impulses behind the unrest while “continue pushing for acceptance and avoid bias and polarization”.