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That was the scariest time of his existence. Back in September 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS assault left 15 dead, including his brother-in-law. A prolonged battle between the military and the militant group in Marawi ensued.

“It won’t take place again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Years later, the specter of IS once more hangs over one of the nation's major cities, amidst international scrutiny over the four-week stay in the city of the accused Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, saw news of the attack on the media, but like other locals spoken to, felt largely detached.

The 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a section of the night market, seeming out of place against the festive mood as hundreds gathered there for meals, massages and goods.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Festive Cheer

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the duo comes as the mostly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, 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 terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have stated the investigation into their whereabouts is continuing and the exact reason for their visit is still uncertain.

“It is just unfortunate that real concerns are hijacked by radicalism. Unfortunately, the story of extreme conflict was incorrectly tied to the island's image,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety Legacy

Lorenzo is also certain that nobody could carry out another terrorist strike in the city long ruled by the political machine of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and controversial – was built on heavily policing Davao through tough law and order and drug war policies. At an entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has denied suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of conflict and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are limited in size and weakened.

Police Trace Movements

What is clear, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor underwent combat training in the country, as was initially suggested.

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

Investigators say there are several establishments the two could have visited or met contacts in the area. Dozens of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a nearby restaurant, where they were known to buy their meals.

Police are examining security camera video and following transport records to reconstruct their movements, and that all possibilities are being entertained.

Fears in the Region Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with extremist groups in 2017, locals are concerned that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must find out what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be thoroughly examined and the intel should provide transparent and factual answers without converting questions into finger-pointing against the region or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig praised civic actions in improving the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism simply disappeared”. He said the country must tackle socioeconomic factors and political factors that fuel the impulses behind the unrest while “persist in promoting tolerance and prevent prejudice and polarization”.