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This was the most terrifying time of his life. Back in September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS attack left 15 dead, among them his brother-in-law. A five-month siege between the army and the jihadist group in the city of Marawi came after.

“It cannot happen again in Davao,” Pendon asserts.

Nine years later, the threat of IS again looms over one of the country's major cities, amidst global attention over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi beach shooters, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, learned of the attack on the media, but similar to other locals spoken to, felt predominantly removed.

Even the 2016 blast is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A remembrance marker for the 2016 deaths stands in a part of the night market, appearing mismatched amidst the celebratory atmosphere as crowds gathered there for meals, massages and goods.

Current Investigations Amid Christmas Celebrations

Investigations into the time in the Philippines of the father and son comes as the predominantly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the probe into their whereabouts is continuing and the exact reason for their visit is still unknown.

“It is simply unfortunate that valid issues are co-opted by radicalism. Regrettably, the narrative of savage attacks was unfairly glued to the region's identity,” said Karlos Manlupig, executive director of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Safety Record

Lorenzo is additionally assured that no one could carry out another terrorist strike in the city long ruled by the political machine of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both famous and notorious – was established by tightly securing Davao through hardline law and order and anti-drug initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand inspecting bags.

The Philippine government has pushed back against claims that it was a terrorist training ground for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of instability and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are limited in size and weakened.

Police Reconstruct Whereabouts

What is evident, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor underwent military-style training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Law enforcement have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's stay in the country as they map out the actions of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are many locations the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Dozens of outlets sit between the GV Hotel and a close by Jollibee, where they were known to buy their food.

Police are reviewing security camera video and following transport records to reconstruct their itinerary, and that every scenario are being explored.

Concerns in the Region Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with extremist groups in 2017, locals are worried that new terrorist labels could lead to heightened securitisation and deepen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must determine what happened.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be carefully probed and the intel should provide transparent and factual answers without turning uncertainty into accusations against the region or its people,” he said.

Manlupig commended civic actions in strengthening the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront economic and social issues and political factors that motivate the impulses behind the unrest while “continue pushing for tolerance and avoid prejudice and polarization”.