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It was the most terrifying experience of his life. During the fall of 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a detonation at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The ISIS strike killed 15, among them his brother-in-law. A prolonged battle between the armed forces and the jihadist group in Marawi ensued.

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

Nine years later, the threat of IS again looms over one of the country's largest cities, amid worldwide focus over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi attackers, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a massage technician at the night market, heard about Bondi on the television, but as with other locals spoken to, felt predominantly detached.

The 2016 bombing is a bad memory he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 deaths sits in a corner of the night market, looking incongruous amidst the festive atmosphere as many people gathered there for food, massages and trinkets.

Current Inquiries Amid Christmas Celebrations

Investigations into the Philippines activities of the pair coincides with the overwhelmingly Catholic nation is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been adorned with a tall Christmas tree, malls are crowded, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was surprised 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. The government have emphasized the investigation into their whereabouts is ongoing and the exact reason for their trip is as yet unclear.

“It is simply unfortunate that legitimate grievances are hijacked by extremism. Sadly, the narrative of brutal violence was unfairly glued to the island's image,” said Karlos Manlupig, executive director of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Policing Legacy

Lorenzo is furthermore assured that no one could execute another terrorist strike in the city historically ruled by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose legacy – both renowned and controversial – was forged through aggressively securitising Davao through strict anti-crime and anti-drug policies. At an entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has rejected allegations that it was a base for militant training for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of conflict and marginalisation that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are small and weakened.

Authorities Trace Whereabouts

What is clear, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor obtained combat training in the country, as was initially suggested.

Investigators have said they are “treating with gravity” the pair’s visit in the country as they piece together the movements of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are numerous establishments the two could have frequented or met contacts in the vicinity. Many of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a nearby popular fast food chain, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Detectives are examining surveillance tapes and tracing taxi trips to piece together their movements, and that any potential lead are being considered.

Concerns in Marawi City Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are anxious that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen discrimination against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the university in Marawi City, said the Philippine intelligence community must establish what happened.

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

Manlupig praised civic actions in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that extremism simply disappeared”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and political factors that fuel the impulses behind the unrest while “persist in promoting tolerance and steer clear of discrimination and division”.