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This was the scariest time of his existence. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The Islamic State strike left 15 dead, among them his brother-in-law. A lengthy conflict between the military and the extremist group in Marawi City ensued.

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

Years later, the shadow of IS again looms over one of the nation's major cities, amidst international scrutiny over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, saw news of the Bondi incident on the media, but like other citizens surveyed, felt predominantly disconnected.

Even the 2016 attack is a bad memory he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 victims stands in a part of the night market, looking incongruous amid the celebratory atmosphere as many people gathered there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Festive Preparations

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the pair coincides with the mostly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are busy, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have made clear the inquiry into their actions is active and the precise reason for their trip is as yet unknown.

“It is simply a shame that valid issues are exploited by radicalism. Sadly, the story of savage attacks was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s identity,” said Karlos Manlupig, executive director of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Safety Record

Lorenzo is also certain that no one could carry out another terrorist strike in the city long ruled by the political machine of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both notable and controversial – was established by aggressively securitising Davao through tough law and order and drug war initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand checking 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 disenfranchisement that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups persist, security officials say they are small and diminished.

Police Reconstruct Whereabouts

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

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

Police say there are numerous establishments the two could have visited or met contacts in the area. Many of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a close by Jollibee, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Police are examining security camera video and tracing cab rides to establish their movements, and that all possibilities are being considered.

Fears in Marawi Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are worried that new accusations of extremism could lead to increased security measures and deepen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must establish what happened.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be carefully probed and the information should provide transparent and factual answers without converting questions into blame against the region or its people,” he said.

Manlupig commended local initiatives in enhancing the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle socioeconomic factors and governance challenges that fuel the impulses behind the unrest while “keep advocating for acceptance and avoid prejudice and sectarianism”.