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It was the most terrifying time of his existence. During 2016, Gerry Pendon was only five meters away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS attack killed 15, including his brother-in-law. A prolonged siege between the military and the militant group in the city of Marawi followed.

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

Years later, the specter of IS reappears over one of the country's largest cities, amidst international scrutiny over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi beach shooters, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, learned of the attack on the media, but as with other citizens spoken to, felt mostly disconnected.

The 2016 bombing is a bad memory he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 victims is placed in a section of the night market, seeming out of place amidst the celebratory atmosphere as many people flocked there for food, massages and trinkets.

Active Probes Amid Holiday Cheer

Examinations of the visit to the country of the duo is happening while the predominantly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“I was taken aback 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 probe into their actions is ongoing and the true reason for their stay is remains uncertain.

“It is simply regrettable that legitimate grievances are hijacked by terrorism. Unfortunately, the narrative of brutal violence was unfairly glued to the island's character,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Security Legacy

Lorenzo is also assured that no one could execute another terrorist strike in the city long administered by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and notorious – was established by aggressively securitising Davao through tough anti-crime and anti-drug policies. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has pushed back against allegations that it was a base for militant training for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, authorities say they are small and degraded.

Investigators Reconstruct Whereabouts

What is clear, said Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two did not leave the city nor received combat training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the pair’s stay in the country as they reconstruct the movements of the suspects during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are several locations the two could have visited or met contacts in the area. Scores of businesses sit between the their accommodation and a local popular fast food chain, where they were reported to buy their meals.

Detectives are reviewing security camera video and tracking cab rides to reconstruct their itinerary, and that every scenario are being entertained.

Fears in Marawi City Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with extremist groups in 2017, inhabitants are anxious that new associations with terrorism could lead to tighter restrictions and increase discrimination against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] visit should be carefully probed and the information should provide accurate and honest answers without converting questions into finger-pointing against Mindanao or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig praised local initiatives in improving the security situation in Davao City but he said “it is not true that extremism was eradicated”. He said the country must address economic and social issues and governance challenges that drive the impulses behind the violence while “keep advocating for understanding and prevent bias and division”.