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It was the scariest experience of his life. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS strike killed 15, among them his wife's brother. A lengthy siege between the military and the militant group in Marawi City came after.

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

Nine years later, the shadow of IS reappears over one of the Philippines’ major cities, amid 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 is a a massage technician at the night market, saw news of the attack on the news, but as with other citizens interviewed, felt largely disconnected.

Even the 2016 bombing is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities sits in a corner of the night market, looking out of place against the celebratory atmosphere as many people came there for food, massages and goods.

Active Investigations Amid Festive Cheer

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the duo coincides with the mostly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, malls are busy, 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 tourism, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have stated the probe into their actions is active and the true reason for their stay is as yet unclear.

“It is regrettable that legitimate grievances are exploited by radicalism. Unfortunately, the reputation of extreme conflict was unfairly glued to the island's image,” noted Karlos Manlupig, executive director of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Safety Record

Lorenzo is furthermore certain that nobody could carry out another terrorist strike in the city for a long time administered by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both notable and controversial – was built on heavily policing Davao through strict law and order and drug war campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand checking bags.

The authorities has rejected claims that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of instability and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are small and weakened.

Investigators Piece Together Movements

What is clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor received military-style training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

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

Police say there are many establishments the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the area. Many of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a close by Jollibee, where they were known to buy their meals.

Detectives are examining CCTV footage and following taxi trips to piece together their movements, and that every scenario are being considered.

Worries in Marawi City Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are anxious that renewed accusations of extremism could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

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

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

Manlupig praised community efforts in strengthening the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that radicalism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront economic and social issues and political factors that drive the motivations behind the violence while “continue pushing for acceptance and steer clear of prejudice and division”.