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It was the most terrifying experience of his life. Back in the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS assault left 15 dead, among them his brother-in-law. A five-month siege between the army and the extremist group in Marawi followed.

“It will not take place again in Davao,” Pendon says.

Nearly a decade later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the Philippines’ key cities, amidst international scrutiny over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who is a a massage technician at the night market, learned of the attack on the news, but like other residents surveyed, felt largely removed.

Even the 2016 blast is a bad memory he is working to forget. A remembrance marker for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a corner of the night market, seeming mismatched amid the joyful environment as hundreds flocked there for food, massages and souvenirs.

Current Probes Amid Christmas Cheer

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the father and son comes as the mostly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. Authorities have emphasized the probe into their actions is active and the exact reason for their trip is remains unclear.

“It is simply regrettable that legitimate grievances are hijacked by radicalism. Sadly, the reputation of brutal violence was incorrectly tied to Mindanao’s image,” said Karlos Manlupig, head of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Policing Legacy

Lorenzo is additionally confident that nobody could perpetrate another terror attack in the city historically ruled by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and infamous – was built on heavily policing Davao through tough law and order and drug war policies. At one entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has denied claims that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and marginalization that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, security officials say they are limited in size and degraded.

Authorities Piece Together Whereabouts

What is clear, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor received combat training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Police have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's stay in the country as they reconstruct the movements of the suspects during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are many establishments the two could have gone to or had meetings in the vicinity. Scores of establishments sit between the their accommodation and a local restaurant, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Officers are reviewing CCTV footage and following cab rides to piece together their itinerary, and that every scenario are being entertained.

Fears in Marawi Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with IS-linked militants in 2017, residents are concerned that fresh terrorist labels could lead to increased security measures and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] visit should be carefully probed and the intel should provide clear and truthful answers without transforming doubt into accusations against Mindanao or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig lauded local initiatives in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that terrorism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and political factors that fuel the impulses behind the conflict while “keep advocating for acceptance and prevent discrimination and polarization”.