PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief General Nicolas Torre III has accepted Davao City Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte’s fistfight challenge, saying it should be done as a “charity boxing match” to raise funds for people affected by the effects of the southwest monsoon (habagat).
(It’s just right. Many of our fellow Filipinos are currently in need of help due to the storm and flooding. So, maybe this is a very good time for a charity boxing match. We can do it on Sunday at Araneta.)
“At least, makakatulong kami ni Mayor Baste sa aming mga kababayang nasalanta. Ang proceeds, sigurado maraming manonood diyan eh. So, we can do a charity boxing match. Maybe, 12 rounds in Araneta Coliseum this coming Sunday,” he added.
(At the very least, Mayor Baste and I can help our fellow Filipinos affected by the disaster. The proceeds -- there’s no doubt a lot of people will watch. So, we can do a charity boxing match. Maybe 12 rounds at the Araneta Coliseum this coming Sunday.)
He also suggested having Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao as the referee for their proposed fight.
(I think that will be a very good fundraising activity. We can use it to help our fellow Filipinos affected by the storm and flooding. As for me, I’m okay with it if he’s serious. Let’s just do it for a better cause. A charity boxing match -- it might be a good idea. This coming Sunday, so we can do it right away. We can ask Araneta. I think Araneta will be very willing and happy to sponsor it. That’s easy, it won’t take long.)
Torre’s response came just three days after Duterte dared the PNP chief, saying Torre is only brave because of his position.
"Kasi matapang ka lang naman you have the position. Pero kung suntukan tayo alam kong makaya kita. But then you're a coward," Duterte told Torre during a podcast episode on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
(You're only brave because you have the position. But if it came to a fistfight, I know I can take you on. But then again, you're a coward.)
Torre was the one who led the arrest of Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, when he was the director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in March this year.
Torre was appointed as the PNP chief last June, and Duterte earlier said that his promotion was not based on merit. (LRM)