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That was the most frightening time of his life. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State assault left 15 dead, including his wife's brother. A lengthy siege between the military and the extremist group in Marawi came after.

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

Years later, the specter of IS once more hangs over one of the country's major cities, amid international scrutiny over the four-week stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a massage technician at the night market, heard about the Bondi incident on the news, but like other citizens spoken to, felt predominantly disconnected.

Even the 2016 blast is a bad memory he is trying to move on from. A remembrance marker for the 2016 fatalities stands in a corner of the night market, looking out of place against the festive mood as crowds gathered there for meals, massages and goods.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Holiday Preparations

Examinations of the visit to the country of the pair comes as the mostly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have made clear the probe into their activities is ongoing and the true reason for their trip is still unknown.

“It is just a shame that legitimate grievances are exploited by radicalism. Regrettably, the narrative of savage attacks was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s character,” stated Karlos Manlupig, executive director of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is additionally confident that nobody could perpetrate another terrorist strike in the city for a long time administered by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and controversial – was built on tightly securing Davao through hardline anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand searching bags.

The authorities has pushed back against allegations that it was a base for militant training for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups persist, experts say they are small and diminished.

Authorities Trace Activities

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

Police have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's presence in the country as they piece together the activities of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are several locations the two could have frequented or had meetings in the area. Scores of businesses sit between the hotel where they stayed and a close by popular fast food chain, where they were known to buy their food.

Police are analyzing CCTV footage and tracking transport records to establish their itinerary, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Concerns in Marawi Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are concerned that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must establish what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be properly investigated and the intel should provide accurate and honest answers without turning uncertainty into accusations against the region or its people,” he said.

Manlupig commended civic actions in improving the peace and order in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that extremism simply disappeared”. He said the country must tackle economic and social issues and political factors that motivate the impulses behind the conflict while “persist in promoting acceptance and prevent bias and sectarianism”.