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That was the most terrifying time of his existence. In the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State strike killed 15, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged conflict between the army and the extremist group in the city of Marawi ensued.

“It cannot occur again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Nine years later, the shadow of IS reappears over one of the country's major cities, amid worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the alleged Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who works as a massage therapist at the night market, heard about the attack on the news, but like other locals spoken to, felt largely disconnected.

Even the 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims sits in a corner of the night market, seeming out of place amid the celebratory mood as many people gathered there for food, massages and trinkets.

Active Probes Amid Festive Preparations

Examinations of the visit to the country of the duo is happening while the mostly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been decorated with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, 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 violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the investigation into their actions is continuing and the precise reason for their trip is remains uncertain.

“It is unfortunate that real concerns are co-opted by terrorism. Sadly, the story of extreme conflict was incorrectly tied to the island's image,” said Karlos Manlupig, head of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Security Legacy

Lorenzo is additionally assured that no one could execute another terrorist strike in the city long administered by the political machine of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both renowned and infamous – was established by tightly securing Davao through tough law and order and anti-drug policies. At an entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has pushed back against allegations that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of unrest and marginalization that has seen some Muslim separatist groups establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups still exist, security officials say they are limited in size and diminished.

Authorities Reconstruct Activities

What is certain, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor obtained combat training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Police have said they are “not taking lightly” the pair’s presence in the country as they map out the actions of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are many establishments the two could have gone to or met contacts in the neighborhood. Dozens of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a nearby restaurant, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Officers are analyzing surveillance tapes and following transport records to reconstruct their movements, and that any potential lead are being entertained.

Worries in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with extremist groups in 2017, residents are concerned that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and deepen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must determine what happened.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be properly investigated and the intelligence should provide clear and truthful answers without converting questions into blame against its people or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig commended local initiatives in improving the peace and order 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 fuel the reasons behind the conflict while “continue pushing for understanding and steer clear of discrimination and polarization”.