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That was the most terrifying time of his existence. During the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS assault killed 15, among them his wife's brother. A five-month siege between the army and the militant group in the city of Marawi ensued.

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

Nearly a decade later, the specter of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ major cities, amid global attention over the four-week stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, heard about the Bondi incident on the television, but similar to other locals surveyed, felt mostly disconnected.

The 2016 bombing is a traumatic event he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 victims is placed in a part of the night market, appearing out of place amidst the celebratory environment as crowds came there for food, massages and trinkets.

Current Inquiries Amid Christmas Celebrations

Probes regarding the visit to the country of the pair is happening while the predominantly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Officials have emphasized the inquiry into their actions is active and the precise reason for their trip is as yet unknown.

“It is just unfortunate that legitimate grievances are hijacked by radicalism. Unfortunately, the narrative of savage attacks was unfairly glued to the region's identity,” noted Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Security History

Lorenzo is also confident that no one could execute another act of terror in the city long administered by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and controversial – was established by aggressively securitising Davao through tough law and order and anti-drug initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand checking bags.

The national government has denied suggestions that it was a terrorist training ground for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of instability and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are limited in size and diminished.

Police Reconstruct Activities

What is evident, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor underwent combat training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the duo's visit in the country as they map out the activities of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are numerous locations the two could have visited or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Many of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a nearby restaurant, where they were understood to buy their food.

Officers are analyzing CCTV footage and tracing transport records to piece together their movements, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Fears in the Region Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with extremist groups in 2017, locals are anxious that fresh terrorist labels could lead to tighter restrictions and deepen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must determine what transpired.

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

Manlupig praised community efforts in strengthening the peace and order in Davao City but he said “it is not true that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront root causes and political factors that fuel the reasons behind the violence while “continue pushing for understanding and avoid prejudice and sectarianism”.