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It was the scariest time of his existence. Back in the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a detonation at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS strike killed 15, including his wife's brother. A five-month siege between the military and the jihadist group in Marawi City followed.

“It will not occur again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Years later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ key cities, amidst worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the suspected Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, learned of the attack on the news, but similar to other locals interviewed, felt mostly removed.

The 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A remembrance marker for the 2016 deaths sits in a corner of the night market, looking incongruous amidst the joyful environment as hundreds flocked there for food, massages and goods.

Current Probes Amid Holiday Cheer

Probes regarding the visit to the country of the pair coincides with the predominantly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, malls are packed, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have stated the inquiry into their actions is continuing and the exact reason for their trip is still unclear.

“It is regrettable that real concerns are exploited by radicalism. Regrettably, the narrative of savage attacks was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s identity,” said Karlos Manlupig, head of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Security Record

Lorenzo is additionally certain that no one could execute another terrorist strike in the city for a long time administered by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both famous and infamous – was forged through heavily policing Davao through strict law and order and anti-drug policies. At one entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand searching bags.

The national government has rejected allegations that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements forge ties with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are small and weakened.

Police Trace Movements

What is clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor obtained weapons training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Police have said they are “not taking lightly” the pair’s presence in the country as they reconstruct the movements of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are many locations the two could have visited or met contacts in the vicinity. Scores of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a local restaurant, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Detectives are analyzing security camera video and tracing cab rides to piece together their itinerary, and that every scenario are being entertained.

Fears in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with extremist groups in 2017, residents are worried that new associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and increase bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must determine what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be properly investigated and the intel should provide transparent and factual answers without converting questions into accusations against its people or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig praised community efforts in improving the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle root causes and political factors that drive the impulses behind the unrest while “keep advocating for understanding and prevent discrimination and division”.