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This was the most frightening experience of his existence. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS strike killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A lengthy siege between the armed forces and the militant group in Marawi City came after.

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

Nine years later, the specter of IS once more hangs over one of the nation's key cities, amidst global attention over the 28-day stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, heard about Bondi on the television, but like other residents surveyed, felt largely disconnected.

Even the 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a part of the night market, appearing incongruous against the joyful mood as many people came there for food, massages and trinkets.

Active Probes Amid Festive Celebrations

Investigations into the Philippines activities of the duo coincides with the predominantly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have emphasized the inquiry into their whereabouts is active and the exact reason for their trip is remains unknown.

“It is simply unfortunate that real concerns are exploited by extremism. Unfortunately, the narrative of savage attacks was wrongly attached to the island's character,” noted Karlos Manlupig, head of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Policing Legacy

Lorenzo is also certain that no one could perpetrate another terror attack in the city for a long time administered by the family of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both notable and infamous – was established by aggressively securitising Davao through tough law and order and anti-drug policies. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand checking bags.

The authorities has rejected allegations that it was a base for militant training for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of conflict and marginalization that has seen some Muslim separatist groups form alliances with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups persist, security officials say they are limited in size and diminished.

Authorities Piece Together Movements

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

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

Investigators say there are numerous establishments the two could have visited or met contacts in the neighborhood. Scores of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a close by restaurant, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Detectives are examining surveillance tapes and following taxi trips to piece together their whereabouts, and that any potential lead are being explored.

Fears in Marawi City Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are worried that new terrorist labels could lead to increased security measures and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] visit should be properly investigated and the intel should provide clear and truthful answers without transforming doubt into finger-pointing against Mindanao or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig commended civic actions in improving the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that fuel the impulses behind the unrest while “persist in promoting tolerance and avoid discrimination and division”.