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It was the most frightening moment of his life. In September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a detonation at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The ISIS assault left 15 dead, including his wife's brother. A five-month siege between the armed forces and the militant group in the city of Marawi came after.

“It will not take place again in Davao,” Pendon asserts.

Years later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ key cities, during worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the suspected Bondi suspects, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, learned of the attack on the television, but as with other residents interviewed, felt mostly removed.

Even the 2016 bombing is a bad memory he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 victims sits in a corner of the night market, appearing mismatched against the celebratory mood as many people gathered there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Current Investigations Amid Holiday Celebrations

Investigations into the Philippines activities of the father and son coincides with the mostly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been adorned with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have emphasized the probe into their activities is active and the true reason for their stay is as yet unclear.

“It is simply a shame that legitimate grievances are hijacked by extremism. Unfortunately, the reputation of savage attacks was unfairly glued to the region's identity,” said Karlos Manlupig, executive director of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Security Legacy

Lorenzo is furthermore assured that no one could carry out another terror attack in the city for a long time governed by the clan of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and notorious – was built on aggressively securitising Davao through hardline anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand searching bags.

The national government has pushed back against allegations that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of instability and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are limited in size and degraded.

Police Trace Whereabouts

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

Law enforcement have said they are “treating with gravity” the duo's stay in the country as they map out the activities of the father and son during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are many places the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the vicinity. Dozens of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a close by restaurant, where they were known to buy their food.

Police are reviewing surveillance tapes and tracing taxi trips to reconstruct their movements, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Worries in the Region Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, residents are concerned that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and worsen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must establish what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be thoroughly examined and the information should provide accurate and honest answers without converting questions into accusations against the region or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig praised local initiatives in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront economic and social issues and political factors that drive the reasons behind the violence while “continue pushing for understanding and steer clear of prejudice and division”.