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It was the most frightening experience of his life. In 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a bomb explosion at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The Islamic State strike claimed 15 lives, including his brother-in-law. A prolonged siege between the military and the jihadist group in Marawi City followed.

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

Years later, the specter of IS again looms over one of the country's largest cities, amidst worldwide focus over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, saw news of the Bondi incident on the news, but as with other locals spoken to, felt largely removed.

Even the 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is trying to move on from. A remembrance marker for the 2016 fatalities stands in a part of the night market, appearing out of place against the celebratory mood as hundreds flocked there for food, massages and goods.

Active Probes Amid Festive Celebrations

Investigations into the visit to the country of the duo comes as the predominantly Catholic nation is getting ready for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been decorated with a tall Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“I was taken aback to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have stated the probe into their actions is ongoing and the true reason for their trip is remains unknown.

“It is simply regrettable that valid issues are hijacked by radicalism. Sadly, the story of savage attacks was incorrectly tied to the region's image,” said Karlos Manlupig, head of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Safety History

Lorenzo is furthermore assured that nobody could perpetrate another terror attack in the city for a long time ruled by the clan of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose name – both famous and infamous – was built on aggressively securitising Davao through tough 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 denied claims that it was a terrorist training ground for the alleged Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of unrest and disenfranchisement that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups still exist, security officials say they are small and degraded.

Authorities Trace Movements

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

Police have said they are “treating with gravity” the pair’s stay in the country as they map out the actions of the suspects during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are numerous places the two could have gone to or met contacts in the vicinity. Dozens of outlets sit between the hotel where they stayed and a local Jollibee, where they were known to buy their meals.

Detectives are analyzing security camera video and tracking transport records to piece together their itinerary, and that all possibilities are being considered.

Fears in the Region Over Stigma

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, inhabitants are concerned that new accusations of extremism could lead to heightened securitisation and deepen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a academic at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must determine what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] visit should be properly investigated and the intelligence should provide transparent and factual answers without turning uncertainty into finger-pointing against its people or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig commended community efforts in enhancing the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront economic and social issues and political factors that fuel the reasons behind the violence while “keep advocating for understanding and steer clear of prejudice and polarization”.