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It was the most frightening experience of his life. In the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS attack left 15 dead, including his brother-in-law. A five-month conflict between the military and the jihadist group in Marawi followed.

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

Nearly a decade later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the nation's largest cities, during international scrutiny over the four-week stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, heard about the Bondi incident on the television, but like other locals interviewed, felt mostly detached.

The 2016 attack is a traumatic event he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 victims is placed in a part of the night market, appearing incongruous against the festive environment as hundreds came there for meals, massages and goods.

Active Probes Amid Festive Celebrations

Probes regarding the visit to the country of the pair coincides with the overwhelmingly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, malls are busy, 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, another a massage therapist at the market. Officials have emphasized the probe into their activities is ongoing and the exact reason for their trip is remains uncertain.

“It is regrettable that real concerns are hijacked by extremism. Unfortunately, the reputation of savage attacks was incorrectly tied to the island's character,” stated Karlos Manlupig, head of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Security History

Lorenzo is furthermore certain that no one could carry out another terrorist strike in the city long ruled by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and infamous – was established by tightly securing Davao through hardline anti-crime and drug war policies. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has rejected suggestions that it was a base for militant training for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of instability and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups persist, experts say they are small and weakened.

Investigators Trace Whereabouts

What is evident, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two never left the city nor received weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested.

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

Police say there are several establishments the two could have visited or met contacts in the area. Scores of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a nearby Jollibee, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Police are reviewing CCTV footage and tracking transport records to reconstruct their movements, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Fears in the Region Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are concerned that fresh associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and increase discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must find out what took place.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be thoroughly examined and the intel should provide transparent and factual answers without transforming doubt into accusations against the region or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig praised civic actions in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that radicalism magically vanished”. He said the country must address socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that fuel the reasons behind the violence while “persist in promoting tolerance and steer clear of prejudice and sectarianism”.