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This was the most frightening experience of his existence. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State strike left 15 dead, among them his wife's brother. A five-month siege between the army and the militant group in Marawi City came after.

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

Years later, the threat of IS once more hangs over one of the nation's major cities, during global attention over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi beach shooters, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who works as a massage technician at the night market, learned of the attack on the news, but similar to other residents spoken to, felt largely detached.

The 2016 bombing is a bad memory he is attempting to put behind him. A remembrance marker for the 2016 victims is placed in a part of the night market, looking incongruous against the festive environment as crowds flocked there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Current Probes Amid Holiday Preparations

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the pair coincides with the mostly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been decorated with a towering Christmas tree, malls are packed, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

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

“It is simply a shame that valid issues are co-opted by terrorism. Regrettably, the reputation of savage attacks was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s character,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Policing Record

Lorenzo is also confident that no one could carry out another terrorist strike in the city long administered by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both notable and infamous – was forged through tightly securing Davao through strict law and order and drug war policies. At an entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has rejected suggestions that it was a terrorist training ground for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of conflict and marginalization that has seen some local militant factions form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, security officials say they are limited in size and degraded.

Police Trace Movements

What is clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor received weapons training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

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

Investigators say there are several locations the two could have visited or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Many of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a nearby popular fast food chain, where they were understood to buy their food.

Officers are analyzing security camera video and tracing taxi trips to establish their whereabouts, and that all possibilities are being explored.

Worries in Marawi Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, residents are worried that renewed terrorist labels could lead to increased security measures and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] visit should be carefully probed and the information should provide clear and truthful answers without converting questions into accusations against its people 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 terrorism magically vanished”. He said the country must address socioeconomic factors and political factors that motivate the motivations behind the conflict while “keep advocating for understanding and steer clear of discrimination and division”.