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That was the most frightening experience of his existence. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was a mere five meters away from a blast at the Roxas evening bazaar in Davao City. The IS assault claimed 15 lives, including his wife's brother. A prolonged siege between the army and the extremist group in the city of Marawi followed.

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

Nine years later, the specter of IS reappears over one of the Philippines’ key cities, amidst international scrutiny over the four-week stay in the city of the alleged Bondi attackers, the Akrams, father and son.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, learned of the attack on the media, but like other citizens surveyed, felt mostly detached.

Even the 2016 bombing is a painful recollection he is attempting to put behind him. A memorial for the 2016 victims is placed in a part of the night market, appearing mismatched amid the joyful mood as hundreds came there for meals, massages and goods.

Active Inquiries Amid Christmas Celebrations

Probes regarding the Philippines activities of the duo comes as the predominantly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s government center has been lit up by a towering Christmas tree, malls are busy, and children go door-to-door to sing carols.

“I was surprised 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. Officials have stated the investigation into their actions is continuing and the precise reason for their stay is remains uncertain.

“It is just unfortunate that real concerns are hijacked by extremism. Sadly, the narrative of brutal violence was incorrectly tied to the region's image,” noted Karlos Manlupig, head of advocacy group Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Security Record

Lorenzo is additionally confident that nobody could execute another terrorist strike in the city for a long time ruled by the political machine of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both notable and controversial – was forged through heavily policing Davao through hardline anti-crime and drug war initiatives. At an entrance of the night market, at minimum four personnel stand searching bags.

The national government has rejected allegations that it was a base for militant training for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of instability and marginalization that has seen some Islamic independence movements forge ties with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups still exist, security officials say they are small and degraded.

Police Trace Movements

What is certain, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ top security official, is the two stayed within the city nor obtained combat training in the country, as was previously alleged.

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

Investigators say there are many locations the two could have frequented or connected with associates in the neighborhood. Many of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a local Jollibee, where they were reported to buy their food.

Officers are analyzing surveillance tapes and tracing taxi trips to reconstruct their whereabouts, and that every scenario are being entertained.

Concerns in the Region Over Bias

In Marawi, the site of intense fighting with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are concerned that fresh accusations of extremism could lead to increased security measures and worsen bias against Muslims.

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

“[The Akrams’] stay should be properly investigated and the information should provide transparent and factual answers without transforming doubt into blame against Mindanao or its people,” Abdullah said.

Manlupig commended local initiatives in improving the peace and order in Davao City but he said “that does not imply that terrorism magically vanished”. He said the country must address socioeconomic factors and political factors that motivate the impulses behind the conflict while “continue pushing for acceptance and prevent discrimination and polarization”.