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That was the scariest time of his existence. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS strike left 15 dead, among them his brother-in-law. A five-month conflict between the armed forces and the jihadist group in Marawi followed.

“It cannot take place again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Years later, the threat of IS again looms over one of the nation's largest cities, amidst worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the suspected Bondi beach shooters, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who is a a massage technician at the night market, saw news of the attack on the news, but similar to other locals spoken to, felt largely removed.

Even the 2016 bombing is a bad memory he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 victims sits in a section of the night market, appearing out of place amid the festive mood as hundreds gathered there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Current Inquiries Amid Festive Cheer

Probes regarding the visit to the country of the duo comes as the mostly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been lit up by a tall Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have made clear the probe into their whereabouts is active and the exact reason for their trip is still unclear.

“It is unfortunate that legitimate grievances are exploited by extremism. Unfortunately, the reputation of extreme conflict was incorrectly tied to the region's identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, executive director of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Policing Legacy

Lorenzo is furthermore certain that no one could carry out another terror attack in the city long governed by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and infamous – was forged through tightly securing Davao through hardline law and order and anti-drug campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has denied claims that it was a base for militant training for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of unrest and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups persist, experts say they are limited in size and diminished.

Investigators Trace Movements

What is certain, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor obtained combat training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Law enforcement have said they are “treating with gravity” the duo's stay in the country as they map out the movements of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are several establishments the two could have frequented or had meetings in the neighborhood. Scores of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a nearby popular fast food chain, where they were understood to buy their food.

Detectives are examining CCTV footage and tracing taxi trips to piece together their whereabouts, and that all possibilities are being entertained.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with extremist groups in 2017, inhabitants are worried that fresh terrorist labels could lead to increased security measures and deepen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must find out what happened.

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

Manlupig praised civic actions in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that radicalism simply disappeared”. He said the country must address socioeconomic factors and political factors that drive the impulses behind the unrest while “persist in promoting tolerance and steer clear of discrimination and division”.