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That was the scariest experience of his existence. In the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS strike killed 15, among them his brother-in-law. A lengthy battle between the army and the jihadist group in Marawi City followed.

“It won’t occur again in Davao,” Pendon says.

Nearly a decade later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ key cities, during worldwide focus over the 28-day stay in the city of the accused Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, saw news of the attack on the media, but as with other residents surveyed, felt mostly disconnected.

The 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 deaths stands in a part of the night market, looking out of place amidst the joyful environment as hundreds flocked there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Active Inquiries Amid Festive Preparations

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the father and son coincides with the overwhelmingly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Officials have emphasized the inquiry into their actions is ongoing and the exact reason for their stay is still unknown.

“It is simply unfortunate that valid issues are hijacked by extremism. Sadly, the story of extreme conflict was incorrectly tied to the island's identity,” said Karlos Manlupig, executive director of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Safety History

Lorenzo is also certain that no one could execute another act of terror in the city long administered by the family of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and controversial – was established by tightly securing Davao through tough law and order and anti-drug campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand inspecting bags.

The national government has denied allegations that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some Muslim separatist groups form alliances with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are limited in size and weakened.

Authorities Piece Together Movements

What is clear, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor underwent military-style training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Investigators have said they are “not taking lightly” the father and son's presence in the country as they map out the actions of the suspects during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Police say there are many places the two could have frequented or met contacts in the area. Scores of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a close by restaurant, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Officers are analyzing surveillance tapes and tracing cab rides to piece together their whereabouts, and that every scenario are being explored.

Fears in Marawi City Over Labels

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 discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must establish what happened.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be thoroughly examined and the information should provide transparent and factual answers without transforming doubt into blame against Mindanao or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig commended local initiatives in improving the peace and order in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism magically vanished”. He said the country must address root causes and governance challenges that fuel the reasons behind the violence while “persist in promoting understanding and steer clear of bias and sectarianism”.