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It was the most terrifying time of his life. In the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a detonation at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The IS strike claimed 15 lives, including his brother-in-law. A lengthy battle between the army and the extremist group in Marawi followed.

“It will not happen again in Davao,” Pendon says.

Nine years later, the shadow of IS reappears over one of the nation's major cities, during worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the alleged Bondi beach shooters, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a masseur at the night market, learned of the attack on the news, but like other citizens interviewed, felt mostly disconnected.

Even the 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 victims stands in a section of the night market, looking mismatched amid the festive atmosphere as crowds flocked there for meals, massages and goods.

Current Inquiries Amid Festive Cheer

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the pair comes as the mostly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, 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 sightseeing, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have stated the probe into their whereabouts is continuing and the true reason for their trip is as yet unknown.

“It is just a shame that valid issues are exploited by radicalism. Sadly, the narrative of brutal violence was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s character,” stated Karlos Manlupig, head of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Safety History

Lorenzo is furthermore assured that no one could execute another act of terror in the city for a long time administered by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both notable and infamous – was forged through heavily policing Davao through hardline 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 suggestions that it was a base for militant training for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of instability and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are limited in size and weakened.

Police Trace Whereabouts

What is clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor underwent combat training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the duo's stay in the country as they reconstruct the activities of the father and son during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are many locations the two could have visited or met contacts in the area. Scores of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a local popular fast food chain, where they were reported to buy their food.

Detectives are examining CCTV footage and tracking transport records to reconstruct their whereabouts, and that every scenario are being considered.

Worries in the Region Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, residents are worried that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must determine what took place.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be properly investigated and the intel should provide transparent and factual answers without transforming doubt into accusations against the region or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig praised civic actions in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “it is not true that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle socioeconomic factors and political factors that fuel the impulses behind the unrest while “continue pushing for acceptance and prevent discrimination and sectarianism”.