Tensions continue to escalate between Acting Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Nicolas Torre III, following Duterte’s public accusations and challenge to a fistfight.
In his “Basta Dabawenyo” podcast, Mayor Duterte accused the PNP of alleged harassment, corruption, and political maneuvering, claiming that the national police force has been undermining the authority of the local government. He directly challenged PNP Chief Torre to a physical fight.
“Gusto mong harassin ako, harassin mo lang ako. Kasi matapang ka lang naman kasi we have the position. Pero kung suntukan tayo, alam ko naman kaya kita, kung ganun lang. But you are a coward, nothing without your position,” said Duterte.
Responding in an interview on July 23, Torre accepted the challenge and proposed turning the confrontation into a charity boxing match, with proceeds to benefit those affected by Typhoon Crising and the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).
“Ang una kong naisip, uy tamang-tama. Maraming kababayan natin ngayon ang nangangailangan ng tulong na naapektuhan ng bagyo at baha. Maybe, this is a very good time para sa isang charity boxing match,” Torre said.
He added, “We can do it on Sunday sa Araneta. Actually, puwede. Seriously, it’s okay. Maganda yan charity at least makatulong kami ni Mayor Baste sa ating mga kababayang nasalanta yung proceed kung ano man. Sigurado maraming manonood nyan.”
The conflict between Duterte and Torre was reportedly triggered by the PNP’s arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy and intensified further following the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest order against former President Rodrigo Duterte, Baste’s father.