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That was the most frightening moment of his life. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five meters away from a detonation at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The ISIS attack claimed 15 lives, including his wife's brother. A five-month conflict between the army and the extremist group in Marawi followed.

“It won’t occur again in Davao,” Pendon says.

Nine years later, the specter of IS once more hangs over one of the country's major cities, amid global attention over the 28-day stay in the city of the suspected Bondi suspects, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who makes a living as a massage therapist at the night market, heard about Bondi on the news, but as with other residents interviewed, felt largely detached.

Even the 2016 bombing is a bad memory he is attempting to put behind him. A monument for the 2016 victims stands in a part of the night market, looking out of place against the joyful atmosphere as hundreds came there for meals, massages and souvenirs.

Current Probes Amid Christmas Cheer

Investigations into the visit to the country of the duo is happening while the mostly Catholic country is gearing up for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been lit up by a large Christmas tree, shopping centers are crowded, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“It surprised me to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for tourism, not terrorism,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, also a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the probe into their actions is continuing and the precise reason for their stay is remains unknown.

“It is unfortunate that legitimate grievances are exploited by radicalism. Sadly, the narrative of brutal violence was unfairly glued to the region's identity,” said Karlos Manlupig, leader of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Confidence in Security Record

Lorenzo is furthermore certain that no one could execute another terror attack in the city historically governed by the clan of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and infamous – was forged through aggressively securitising Davao through hardline law and order and anti-drug policies. At one entrance of the night market, at least four personnel stand searching bags.

The authorities has pushed back against suggestions that it was a hub for extremists for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a extensive past of unrest and disenfranchisement that has seen some Muslim separatist groups form alliances with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups remain present, experts say they are small and weakened.

Police Piece Together Activities

What is clear, 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 earlier claimed.

Investigators have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's visit in the country as they reconstruct the actions of the pair during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are several places the two could have gone to or met contacts in the area. Dozens of outlets sit between the their accommodation and a close by restaurant, where they were understood to buy their meals.

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

Concerns in Marawi City Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of a major conflict with extremist groups in 2017, locals are anxious that renewed associations with terrorism could lead to heightened securitisation and deepen prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a professor at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine security agencies must find out what took place.

“[The Akrams’] time here should be properly investigated and the information should provide clear and truthful answers without transforming doubt into accusations against the region or its people,” Andullah said.

Manlupig lauded community efforts in strengthening the security situation in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that radicalism simply disappeared”. He said the country must confront socioeconomic factors and political factors that drive the motivations behind the unrest while “continue pushing for acceptance and prevent discrimination and sectarianism”.