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This was the scariest moment of his existence. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State assault claimed 15 lives, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged conflict between the armed forces and the jihadist group in Marawi ensued.

“It won’t occur again in Davao,” Pendon asserts.

Nine years later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the country's key cities, during global attention over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, learned of the Bondi incident on the television, but like other residents surveyed, felt largely detached.

The 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities stands in a corner of the night market, looking incongruous against the celebratory environment as crowds flocked there for food, massages and goods.

Current Inquiries Amid Christmas Cheer

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the duo comes as the predominantly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a tall Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have emphasized the probe into their whereabouts is continuing and the precise reason for their stay is as yet unclear.

“It is just a shame that valid issues are exploited by radicalism. Unfortunately, the story of extreme conflict was wrongly attached to the island's image,” noted Karlos Manlupig, executive director of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety Record

Lorenzo is additionally confident that no one could execute another terror attack in the city long administered by the political machine of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and controversial – was established by tightly securing Davao through tough law and order and anti-drug policies. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four officers stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has pushed back against suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups still exist, experts say they are limited in size and weakened.

Police Reconstruct Whereabouts

What is certain, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor underwent military-style training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Investigators have said they are “taking seriously” 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 numerous establishments the two could have gone to or connected with associates in the vicinity. Scores of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a local restaurant, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Detectives are reviewing surveillance tapes and following cab rides to establish their itinerary, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Worries in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, residents are anxious that fresh associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and increase bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must determine what took place.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be thoroughly examined and the intelligence should provide accurate and honest answers without converting questions into finger-pointing against Mindanao or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig praised community efforts in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism magically vanished”. He said the country must tackle root causes and political factors that drive the impulses behind the violence while “keep advocating for tolerance and prevent prejudice and division”.