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It was the most terrifying moment of his life. Back in 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a detonation at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The Islamic State assault claimed 15 lives, among them his wife's brother. A five-month battle between the military and the extremist group in Marawi ensued.

“It cannot happen again in Davao,” Pendon says.

Nearly a decade later, the specter of IS once more hangs over one of the country's key cities, amid global attention over the four-week stay in the city of the suspected Bondi attackers, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage technician at the night market, saw news of Bondi on the news, but like other residents interviewed, felt predominantly disconnected.

Even the 2016 bombing is a bad memory he is working to forget. A monument for the 2016 fatalities sits in a corner of the night market, appearing out of place amidst the joyful atmosphere as hundreds flocked there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Current Inquiries Amid Holiday Cheer

Investigations into the visit to the country of the pair is happening while the predominantly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for travel, not extremism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have stated the probe into their whereabouts is ongoing and the true reason for their stay is as yet unclear.

“It is a shame that real concerns are co-opted by radicalism. Regrettably, the reputation of extreme conflict was wrongly attached to the island's identity,” stated Karlos Manlupig, head of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Security Legacy

Lorenzo is additionally assured that no one could execute another act of terror in the city historically administered by the political machine of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both famous and controversial – was forged through aggressively securitising Davao through hardline anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand checking bags.

The national government has denied claims that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of instability and marginalisation that has seen some local militant factions establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are limited in size and diminished.

Authorities Reconstruct Activities

What is clear, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two never left the city nor received weapons training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Investigators have said they are “not taking lightly” the duo's visit in the country as they reconstruct the movements of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are numerous places the two could have gone to or had meetings in the area. Scores of businesses sit between the hotel where they stayed and a nearby restaurant, where they were reported to buy their food.

Police are analyzing CCTV footage and following cab rides to establish their whereabouts, and that any potential lead are being entertained.

Worries in Marawi Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with IS-linked militants in 2017, inhabitants are concerned that fresh terrorist labels could lead to heightened securitisation and increase prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must determine what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be properly investigated and the information should provide transparent and factual answers without transforming doubt into accusations against its people or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig lauded civic actions in strengthening the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and political factors that drive the impulses behind the conflict while “continue pushing for understanding and avoid bias and division”.