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It was the scariest time of his existence. Back in September 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five metres away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS strike left 15 dead, including his brother-in-law. A five-month siege between the military and the jihadist group in Marawi followed.

“It won’t take place again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Years later, the threat of IS reappears over one of the country's key cities, during international scrutiny over the month-long stay in the city of the accused Bondi beach shooters, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who makes a living as a masseur at the night market, heard about Bondi on the television, but like other locals spoken to, felt predominantly disconnected.

The 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 victims is placed in a part of the night market, appearing incongruous against the festive atmosphere as many people gathered there for meals, massages and goods.

Current Inquiries Amid Festive Celebrations

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the pair is happening while the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been adorned with a large Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

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

“It is a shame that legitimate grievances are exploited by extremism. Regrettably, the narrative of extreme conflict was unfairly glued to Mindanao’s identity,” noted Karlos Manlupig, head of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Safety Record

Lorenzo is additionally assured that nobody could execute another terrorist strike in the city historically governed by the family of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and notorious – was established by tightly securing Davao through strict law and order and anti-drug campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at least four guards stand inspecting bags.

The Philippine government has pushed back against allegations that it was a base for militant training for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of conflict and marginalization that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, experts say they are small and diminished.

Police Reconstruct Activities

What is certain, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two stayed within the city nor obtained military-style training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Law enforcement have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's stay in the country as they map out the movements of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are many places the two could have gone to or had meetings in the neighborhood. Many of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a local restaurant, where they were understood to buy their meals.

Detectives are examining security camera video and tracking transport records to piece together their whereabouts, and that every scenario are being considered.

Fears in Marawi Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with IS-linked militants in 2017, locals are anxious that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to increased security measures and worsen bias against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] stay should be properly investigated and the intel should provide clear and truthful answers without turning uncertainty into accusations against Mindanao or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig lauded community efforts in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that extremism magically vanished”. He said the country must address root causes and political factors that fuel the reasons behind the conflict while “continue pushing for understanding and prevent prejudice and division”.