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It was the most terrifying experience of his existence. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The ISIS assault killed 15, among them his wife's brother. A lengthy siege between the military and the extremist group in Marawi ensued.

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

Nine years later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the nation'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 is a a massage technician at the night market, heard about Bondi on the television, but as with other locals interviewed, felt predominantly detached.

Even the 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 deaths sits in a part of the night market, looking mismatched amidst the festive environment as hundreds flocked there for food, massages and trinkets.

Active Inquiries Amid Festive Preparations

Probes regarding the visit to the country of the pair is happening while the mostly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, malls are packed, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was taken aback 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 stated the inquiry into their activities is ongoing and the precise reason for their stay is still unclear.

“It is a shame that legitimate grievances are hijacked by radicalism. Unfortunately, the narrative of savage attacks was wrongly attached to the region's identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Security Legacy

Lorenzo is furthermore certain that nobody could perpetrate another terrorist strike in the city historically governed by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and infamous – was forged through heavily policing Davao through tough law and order and anti-drug policies. At an entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand searching bags.

The authorities has rejected claims that it was a terrorist training ground for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some Muslim separatist groups form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are small and diminished.

Police Piece Together Activities

What is evident, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor received weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Investigators have said they are “not taking lightly” the duo's presence in the country as they map out the movements of the suspects during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Police say there are several establishments the two could have visited or connected with associates in the vicinity. Dozens of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a local restaurant, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Police are examining security camera video and tracking cab rides to reconstruct their movements, and that all possibilities are being entertained.

Concerns in Marawi Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are anxious that renewed terrorist labels could lead to tighter restrictions and deepen bias against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] stay should be carefully probed and the intel should provide clear and truthful answers without converting questions into accusations against its people or its people,” he said.

Manlupig commended community efforts in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront economic and social issues and political factors that fuel the motivations behind the conflict while “keep advocating for acceptance and avoid bias and division”.