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This was the most terrifying time of his life. Back 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 attack claimed 15 lives, among them his wife's brother. A prolonged battle between the armed forces and the jihadist group in Marawi City ensued.

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

Nearly a decade later, the shadow of IS once more hangs over one of the Philippines’ major cities, amid worldwide focus over the month-long stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, saw news of the attack on the media, but similar to other residents spoken to, felt largely disconnected.

The 2016 attack is a painful recollection he is working to forget. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims is placed in a corner of the night market, appearing out of place amidst the celebratory mood as hundreds flocked there for food, massages and goods.

Current Probes Amid Christmas Cheer

Investigations into the Philippines activities of the pair coincides with the mostly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been decorated with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was taken aback 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. Authorities have made clear the inquiry into their activities is continuing and the true reason for their visit is still uncertain.

“It is simply regrettable that real concerns are exploited by extremism. Regrettably, the reputation of extreme conflict was wrongly attached to Mindanao’s image,” said Karlos Manlupig, head of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Security Record

Lorenzo is additionally assured that nobody could perpetrate another terror attack in the city long ruled by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both renowned and notorious – was established by heavily policing Davao through strict anti-crime and drug war policies. At one entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand inspecting bags.

The Philippine government has denied suggestions that it was a base for militant training for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of conflict and marginalization that has seen some Muslim separatist groups forge ties with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups still exist, experts say they are small and degraded.

Authorities Reconstruct Movements

What is certain, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor underwent weapons training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Investigators have said they are “taking seriously” the pair’s visit in the country as they reconstruct the actions of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are numerous places the two could have frequented or met contacts in the vicinity. Dozens of outlets sit between the GV Hotel and a local Jollibee, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Detectives are examining CCTV footage and following transport records to reconstruct their movements, and that any potential lead are being entertained.

Fears in the Region Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with IS-linked militants in 2017, locals are worried that new associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and increase prejudice against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] time here should be properly investigated and the intelligence should provide transparent and factual answers without converting questions into accusations against Mindanao or its people,” he said.

Manlupig commended community efforts in improving the security situation in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that radicalism magically vanished”. He said the country must address root causes and political factors that motivate the impulses behind the unrest while “persist in promoting tolerance and steer clear of prejudice and polarization”.