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It was the most terrifying experience of his existence. In 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five metres away from a bomb explosion at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The ISIS assault left 15 dead, including his wife's brother. A five-month conflict between the army and the extremist group in Marawi came after.

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

Nearly a decade later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the country's major cities, during global attention over the 28-day stay in the city of the accused Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, heard about the Bondi incident on the television, but as with other locals surveyed, felt mostly detached.

The 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is trying to move on from. A monument for the 2016 deaths stands in a section of the night market, seeming mismatched amidst the festive mood as many people flocked there for meals, massages and goods.

Active Investigations Amid Holiday Cheer

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the duo comes as the predominantly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been decorated with a large Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the inquiry into their whereabouts is continuing and the exact reason for their visit is still unclear.

“It is just a shame that real concerns are co-opted by terrorism. Sadly, the reputation of brutal violence was unfairly glued to the island's image,” noted Karlos Manlupig, executive director of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Policing History

Lorenzo is also certain that no one could carry out another terror attack in the city historically administered by the clan of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and controversial – was built on aggressively securitising Davao through hardline law and order and drug war campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four officers stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has rejected claims that it was a base for militant training for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of instability and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, experts say they are small and degraded.

Authorities Trace Whereabouts

What is clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor received combat training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Police have said they are “not taking lightly” the pair’s stay in the country as they map out the actions of the suspects during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Police say there are numerous locations the two could have visited or connected with associates in the vicinity. Dozens of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a local restaurant, where they were known to buy their meals.

Police are examining surveillance tapes and tracing taxi trips to establish their movements, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Concerns in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, residents are concerned that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and worsen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must find out what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be properly investigated and the intelligence should provide clear and truthful answers without transforming doubt into finger-pointing against Mindanao or its people,” he said.

Manlupig commended civic actions 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 economic and social issues and governance challenges that fuel the reasons behind the violence while “persist in promoting acceptance and prevent discrimination and division”.