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That was the most frightening time of his existence. Back in September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a detonation at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State strike killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A prolonged conflict between the military and the extremist group in the city of Marawi came after.

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

Nearly a decade later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the nation's key cities, amid international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the accused Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, saw news of the attack on the media, but as with other locals interviewed, felt mostly disconnected.

Even the 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is working to forget. A remembrance marker for the 2016 deaths stands in a part of the night market, looking incongruous amidst the joyful environment as crowds gathered there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Active Inquiries Amid Festive Cheer

Examinations of the time in the Philippines of the father and son coincides with the mostly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Officials have made clear the inquiry into their actions is active and the precise reason for their trip is remains unknown.

“It is just regrettable that valid issues are co-opted by radicalism. Regrettably, the reputation of extreme conflict was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s image,” noted Karlos Manlupig, head of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Safety History

Lorenzo is additionally assured that no one could execute another terrorist strike in the city historically governed by the political machine of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both famous and infamous – was established by tightly securing Davao through tough anti-crime and anti-drug initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four officers stand searching bags.

The authorities has pushed back against allegations that it was a terrorist training ground for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and marginalization that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups persist, authorities say they are small and weakened.

Investigators Piece Together Whereabouts

What is evident, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two never left the city nor received combat training in the country, as was initially suggested.

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

Police say there are many locations the two could have gone to or had meetings in the vicinity. Many of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a close by popular fast food chain, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Police are examining security camera video and tracing transport records to establish their movements, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with extremist groups in 2017, locals are concerned that new accusations of extremism could lead to heightened securitisation and increase discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must determine what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be properly investigated and the intelligence should provide clear and truthful answers without transforming doubt into blame against the region or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig praised community efforts in improving the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “it is not true that extremism was eradicated”. He said the country must address socioeconomic factors and political factors that fuel the motivations behind the violence while “persist in promoting understanding and steer clear of prejudice and sectarianism”.