Davao solon in hot water for alleged ‘headbutting’ incident

Davao First District Representative Paolo Duterte is facing human trafficking and attempted murder charges following an alleged assault caught on CCTV, according to a complaint filed with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

The victim – identified as Kristone John Patria, alleged in a sworn statement that Duterte physically attacked and attempted to stab him inside Hearsay Gastropub in Barangay Obrero around 3 a.m. on 23 February 2025. The complaint includes CCTV footage as evidence.

Moreno, who was allegedly supplying women for private gatherings involving Duterte and a certain businessman, claims the assault stemmed from a dispute over payment to a woman he hired for the evening.

According to the statement, Duterte and Moreno had been drinking with several women at the businessman’s residence in Woodridge, Maa, before going to the bar. At the bar, Duterte allegedly became angry when a bodyguard failed to secure company from the women.

The situation allegedly escalated when a woman questioned why she was paid only P1,000, significantly less than the promised P13,000.

Moreno alleged that Duterte then attacked him, repeatedly headbutting, punching, kicking, and stabbing him in the side, while threatening to kill him.

He also claimed that Duterte’s bodyguards blocked his escape and locked the bar doors. Duterte allegedly ordered the CCTV system turned off, but Moreno believes some of the incident was recorded.

Moreno alleged the beating lasted nearly two hours. He said that Duterte then left, warning him to cover the payment.

In his statement, the victim said that he did not immediately seek medical attention or file charges due to fear, adding that he is willing to cooperate with any investigation and asserts the bar’s surveillance footage corroborates his claims.

The lawmaker, on the other hand, has yet to respond to requests for comment.