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That was the most frightening moment of his life. Back in September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The ISIS attack claimed 15 lives, including his wife's brother. A lengthy siege between the army and the extremist group in the city of Marawi followed.

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

Years later, the specter of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ key cities, amidst global attention over the four-week stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, learned of the Bondi incident on the news, but as with other locals interviewed, felt largely removed.

Even the 2016 attack is a bad memory he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims sits in a section of the night market, appearing mismatched amid the celebratory atmosphere as hundreds gathered there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Christmas Cheer

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the duo coincides with the mostly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have made clear the inquiry into their activities is ongoing and the exact reason for their stay is still uncertain.

“It is just unfortunate that real concerns are exploited by extremism. Sadly, the reputation of brutal violence was wrongly attached to the region's identity,” noted Karlos Manlupig, head of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Safety History

Lorenzo is furthermore assured that nobody could carry out another act of terror in the city long ruled by the political machine of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both famous and controversial – was built on heavily policing Davao through tough law and order and anti-drug policies. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four officers stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has rejected suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of instability and marginalization that has seen some local militant factions establish links with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups still exist, experts say they are small and weakened.

Investigators Trace Activities

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

Law enforcement have said they are “treating with gravity” the duo's stay in the country as they piece together the activities of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are several places the two could have gone to or met contacts in the area. Dozens of establishments sit between the hotel where they stayed and a local Jollibee, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Police are reviewing security camera video and following transport records to piece together their whereabouts, and that every scenario are being considered.

Worries in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with IS-linked militants in 2017, residents are anxious that fresh terrorist labels could lead to heightened securitisation and worsen prejudice against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] time here should be carefully probed and the information should provide transparent and factual answers without transforming doubt into finger-pointing against its people or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig lauded local initiatives in strengthening the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that extremism magically vanished”. He said the country must tackle root causes and political factors that drive the motivations behind the violence while “keep advocating for understanding and steer clear of bias and division”.