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This was the most frightening time of his existence. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State assault killed 15, among them his brother-in-law. A lengthy battle between the military and the militant group in Marawi followed.

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

Years later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the country's major cities, during international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who is a a massage technician at the night market, heard about the Bondi incident on the television, but similar to other citizens interviewed, felt predominantly detached.

Even the 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A memorial for the 2016 deaths is placed in a part of the night market, appearing mismatched amid the joyful atmosphere as crowds gathered there for meals, massages and goods.

Active Probes Amid Holiday Cheer

Examinations of the visit to the country of the pair is happening while the overwhelmingly Catholic country is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was surprised 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 probe into their activities is ongoing and the precise reason for their visit is as yet unknown.

“It is simply regrettable that real concerns are co-opted by extremism. Sadly, the narrative of savage attacks was unfairly glued to the region's image,” stated Karlos Manlupig, head of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Security Record

Lorenzo is furthermore assured that no one could perpetrate another terror attack in the city historically ruled by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both renowned and controversial – was forged through tightly securing Davao through strict anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has denied allegations that it was a terrorist training ground for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups still exist, security officials say they are limited in size and diminished.

Police Piece Together Activities

What is clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor received weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested.

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

Investigators say there are several establishments the two could have visited or met contacts in the area. Many of outlets sit between the GV Hotel and a nearby popular fast food chain, where they were reported to buy their food.

Police are analyzing CCTV footage and tracing cab rides to establish their itinerary, and that every scenario are being entertained.

Worries in Marawi City Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, residents are concerned that renewed terrorist labels could lead to heightened securitisation and deepen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must find out what happened.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be thoroughly examined and the intelligence should provide accurate and honest answers without turning uncertainty into finger-pointing against Mindanao or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig commended civic actions in improving the peace and order in Davao City but he said “it is not true that extremism magically vanished”. He said the country must tackle economic and social issues and governance challenges that fuel the reasons behind the conflict while “persist in promoting tolerance and prevent discrimination and sectarianism”.