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That was the scariest experience of his existence. During September 2016, Gerry Pendon was just five metres away from a blast at the night market in Roxas in Davao City. The IS assault left 15 dead, including his wife's brother. A lengthy conflict between the military and the extremist group in the city of Marawi came after.

“It cannot occur again in Davao,” Pendon states.

Years later, the specter of IS reappears over one of the Philippines’ key cities, during global attention over the 28-day stay in the city of the alleged Bondi suspects, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed.

Pendon, who is a a masseur at the night market, heard about Bondi on the media, but similar to other locals surveyed, felt largely disconnected.

The 2016 blast is a traumatic event he is working to forget. A memorial for the 2016 fatalities is placed in a section of the night market, seeming out of place amid the celebratory environment as crowds flocked there for meals, massages and trinkets.

Ongoing Inquiries Amid Festive Preparations

Examinations of the Philippines activities of the duo is happening while the mostly Catholic nation is preparing for Christmas. Davao’s municipal hall has been adorned with a tall Christmas tree, shopping centers are packed, and children go door-to-door to perform Christmas songs.

“I was surprised 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 stated the probe into their activities is ongoing and the exact reason for their stay is still unknown.

“It is regrettable that valid issues are hijacked by terrorism. Regrettably, the story of savage attacks was wrongly attached to Mindanao’s image,” stated Karlos Manlupig, executive director of peace-building NGO Balay Mindanao.

Trust in Safety History

Lorenzo is furthermore certain that no one could carry out another terrorist strike in the city long governed by the political machine of past leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose reputation – both notable and infamous – was forged through heavily policing Davao through strict anti-crime and anti-drug campaigns. At an entrance of the night market, at least four officers stand inspecting bags.

The authorities has denied allegations that it was a hub for extremists for the suspected Bondi shooters. The country has a complicated background of conflict and marginalization that has seen some Islamic independence movements form alliances with global terrorist networks. But while IS-linked groups still exist, authorities say they are limited in size and weakened.

Police Trace Movements

What is certain, stated Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ national security adviser, is the two did not leave the city nor obtained combat training in the country, as was previously alleged.

Police have said they are “not taking lightly” the duo's stay in the country as they piece together the movements of the pair during their month-long stay in Davao City.

Investigators say there are numerous places the two could have frequented or met contacts in the vicinity. Scores of businesses sit between the GV Hotel and a close by Jollibee, where they were understood to buy their food.

Detectives are analyzing CCTV footage and tracing cab rides to piece together their whereabouts, and that any potential lead are being entertained.

Concerns in Marawi Over Labels

In Marawi, the site of fierce battles with Islamic State affiliates in 2017, locals are worried that fresh terrorist labels could lead to tighter restrictions and increase prejudice against Muslims.

Tirmizy Abdullah, a faculty member at the institution in Marawi City, said the Philippine investigative bodies must establish what transpired.

“[The Akrams’] stay should be carefully probed and the intel should provide transparent and factual answers without transforming doubt into accusations against its people or its people,” he said.

Manlupig commended community efforts in enhancing the peace and order in Davao City but he said “this doesn’t mean that radicalism magically vanished”. He said the country must address root causes and governance challenges that fuel the reasons behind the conflict while “keep advocating for tolerance and prevent discrimination and sectarianism”.