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That was the most frightening moment of his existence. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The ISIS strike left 15 dead, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged conflict between the military and the militant group in Marawi City came after.

“It cannot take place again in Davao,” Pendon says.

Nine years later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the nation's key cities, amid global attention over the four-week stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, learned of the attack on the news, but similar to other residents spoken to, felt largely detached.

The 2016 blast is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 victims sits in a part of the night market, seeming out of place against the festive environment as crowds came there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Current Investigations Amid Christmas Preparations

Investigations into the time in the Philippines of the duo is happening while the mostly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are busy, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Officials have stated the inquiry into their whereabouts is ongoing and the exact reason for their visit is still unknown.

“It is just a shame that valid issues are co-opted by radicalism. Regrettably, the reputation of savage attacks was wrongly attached to the region's identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, head of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Policing Record

Lorenzo is additionally assured that nobody could execute another terrorist strike in the city historically governed by the family of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both famous and controversial – was established by heavily policing Davao through strict law and order and anti-drug campaigns. At one entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand searching bags.

The authorities has denied suggestions that it was a terrorist training ground for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of conflict and marginalization that has seen some Muslim separatist groups 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 clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor underwent weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested.

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

Investigators say there are several establishments the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Scores of outlets sit between the GV Hotel and a local popular fast food chain, where they were understood to buy their food.

Police are analyzing security camera video and following transport records to piece together their itinerary, and that all possibilities are being entertained.

Fears in the Region Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, residents are anxious that renewed accusations of extremism could lead to increased security measures and increase prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must find out what happened.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be thoroughly examined and the information should provide clear and truthful answers without converting questions into finger-pointing against Mindanao or its people,” he said.

Manlupig praised community efforts in strengthening the peace and order in Davao City but he said “it is not true that extremism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront economic and social issues and governance challenges that drive the impulses behind the conflict while “keep advocating for tolerance and prevent prejudice and sectarianism”.