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That was the most frightening time of his life. In the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The Islamic State strike killed 15, among them his brother-in-law. A lengthy battle between the military and the militant group in the city of Marawi followed.

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

Nearly a decade later, the specter of IS once more hangs over one of the country's major cities, amidst international scrutiny over the four-week stay in the city of the alleged Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, saw news of the attack on the television, but as with other locals interviewed, felt mostly disconnected.

Even the 2016 blast is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims stands in a part of the night market, looking incongruous amidst the celebratory environment as many people flocked there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Christmas Cheer

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the pair coincides with the predominantly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have stated the probe into their activities is ongoing and the exact reason for their visit is as yet unknown.

“It is simply unfortunate that real concerns are co-opted by radicalism. Sadly, the reputation of extreme conflict was incorrectly tied to the region's image,” said Karlos Manlupig, executive director of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Security History

Lorenzo is also assured that no one could perpetrate another terror attack in the city historically governed by the clan of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and notorious – was forged through tightly securing Davao through hardline law and order and anti-drug policies. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand searching bags.

The national government has denied allegations that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of conflict and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are small and diminished.

Investigators Trace Activities

What is clear, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor received combat training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Investigators have said they are “treating with gravity” the duo's presence in the country as they piece together the activities of the suspects during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are many places the two could have visited or connected with associates in the area. Scores of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a nearby restaurant, where they were known to buy their food.

Officers are examining CCTV footage and tracking taxi trips to establish their movements, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Worries in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with extremist groups in 2017, locals are anxious that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must establish what happened.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be properly investigated and the intelligence should provide clear and truthful answers without turning uncertainty into finger-pointing against Mindanao or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig lauded civic actions in improving the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism magically vanished”. He said the country must confront root causes and political factors that drive the impulses behind the unrest while “persist in promoting understanding and prevent bias and division”.