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That was the most terrifying time of his life. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a blast at the Roxas night market in Davao City. The ISIS assault claimed 15 lives, among them his wife's brother. A lengthy siege between the armed forces and the extremist group in Marawi City followed.

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

Nearly a decade later, the shadow of IS reappears over one of the country's largest cities, amid international scrutiny over the four-week stay in the city of the accused Bondi beach shooters, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who is a a massage technician at the night market, heard about the attack on the media, but similar to other citizens surveyed, felt predominantly disconnected.

Even the 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a corner of the night market, looking out of place against the joyful environment as hundreds flocked there for meals, massages and goods.

Ongoing Investigations Amid Festive Celebrations

Examinations of the time in the Philippines of the duo comes as the mostly Catholic country is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s city hall has been decorated with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children knock on doors to perform Christmas songs.

“I was surprised to see [the Akrams] in the news. But they were here for sightseeing, not violence,” says Emelyn Lorenzo, another a massage therapist at the market. The government have emphasized the inquiry into their activities is active and the true reason for their visit is still unclear.

“It is a shame that real concerns are co-opted by extremism. Sadly, the narrative of savage attacks was unfairly glued to the region's image,” stated Karlos Manlupig, leader of non-governmental organization Balay Mindanao.

Faith in Security Record

Lorenzo is additionally certain that nobody could execute another terror attack in the city historically governed by the clan of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both famous and infamous – was established by tightly securing Davao through hardline law and order and anti-drug policies. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four guards stand searching bags.

The Philippine government has rejected claims that it was a terrorist training ground for the accused Bondi shooters. The country has a long history of conflict and disenfranchisement that has seen some local militant factions forge ties with overseas extremist organizations. But while IS-linked groups still exist, experts say they are small and weakened.

Police Trace Movements

What is evident, commented Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two never left the city nor received weapons training in the country, as was earlier claimed.

Police have said they are “taking seriously” the duo's stay in the country as they piece together the activities of the suspects during their four-week stay in Davao City.

Authorities say there are numerous places the two could have visited or met contacts in the area. Scores of establishments sit between the GV Hotel and a local Jollibee, where they were known to buy their meals.

Officers are reviewing surveillance tapes and tracing transport records to establish their movements, and that every scenario are being entertained.

Fears in Marawi Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are concerned that renewed terrorist labels could lead to tighter restrictions and worsen bias against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must establish what happened.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be thoroughly examined and the intel should provide accurate and honest answers without turning uncertainty into finger-pointing against its people or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig lauded community efforts in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism was eradicated”. He said the country must address root causes and governance challenges that motivate the reasons behind the unrest while “keep advocating for understanding and avoid prejudice and polarization”.