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That was the most terrifying time of his life. In 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The Islamic State strike claimed 15 lives, among them his wife's brother. A prolonged siege between the army and the militant group in Marawi ensued.

“It will not happen again in Davao,” Pendon says.

Nine years later, the threat of IS again looms over one of the Philippines’ key cities, amidst worldwide focus over the 28-day stay in the city of the accused Bondi suspects, a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Pendon, who is a a massage therapist at the night market, saw news of the attack on the media, but like other citizens spoken to, felt largely detached.

Even the 2016 blast is a painful recollection he is trying to move on from. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a corner of the night market, appearing incongruous against the joyful atmosphere as many people flocked there for meals, massages and goods.

Ongoing Probes Amid Christmas Cheer

Investigations into the visit to the country of the father and son is happening while the predominantly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been lit up by a towering Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children knock on doors to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. Officials have made clear the inquiry into their activities is active and the true reason for their visit is as yet unknown.

“It is regrettable that real concerns are hijacked by radicalism. Regrettably, the narrative of extreme conflict was unfairly glued to the region's image,” noted Karlos Manlupig, head of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Security Record

Lorenzo is also assured that nobody could perpetrate another terror attack in the city long ruled by the political machine of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and controversial – was established by tightly securing Davao through tough anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At one entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand searching bags.

The authorities has denied suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of unrest and disenfranchisement that has seen some Islamic independence movements establish links with international jihadist groups. But while IS-linked groups persist, authorities say they are limited in size and weakened.

Police Piece Together Activities

What is certain, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor underwent military-style training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Law enforcement have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's visit in the country as they reconstruct the activities of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Police say there are many places the two could have gone to or had meetings in the neighborhood. Many of establishments sit between the hotel where they stayed and a local restaurant, where they were known to buy their food.

Police are analyzing security camera video and following cab rides to establish their movements, and that every scenario are being entertained.

Worries in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, residents are worried that fresh accusations of extremism could lead to increased security measures and increase discrimination against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] stay should be thoroughly examined and the information should provide transparent and factual answers without turning uncertainty into accusations against the region or its people,” he said.

Manlupig lauded local initiatives in strengthening the safety conditions in Davao City but he said “it is not true that radicalism was eradicated”. He said the country must tackle socioeconomic factors and political factors that motivate the motivations behind the violence while “persist in promoting understanding and avoid discrimination and sectarianism”.