Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III has accepted the fistfight challenge thrown by Davao City Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte—but with a twist.
In an ambush interview on Wednesday, Torre said he is ready to step into the ring for a 12-round charity boxing match against Duterte, with proceeds benefiting communities affected by recent typhoons and flooding.
“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 (My first thought was, oh, perfect timing. Many of our fellow Filipinos are in need right now after being affected by the storm and floods. Maybe this is a very good time for a charity boxing match),” Torre told reporters.
What started as a heated exchange is now shaping up to be a high-stakes showdown for a worthy cause, as Torre proposed holding the event this Sunday at 9 a.m. at the iconic Araneta Coliseum.
“Maybe we can use this moment as an opportunity to raise funds in a well charity boxing match this coming kung para mabilis this coming Sunday sa Araneta, 12 rounds, puwede suntukan para Maganda at para medyo marami-rami ang maraise natin (through a proper charity boxing match this coming Sunday at Araneta. We can go for 12 rounds of boxing so it’s exciting and we can raise a good amount),” Torre said.
In a vlog uploaded to YouTube on Sunday, Duterte directly called out Torre, challenging him to a fistfight.
“Matapang ka lang naman because you have the position. Pero kung suntukan tayo, alam kong kaya kita (You’re only brave because of your position. But if it came to a fight, I know I could take you). But then, you’re a coward,” Duterte said.
Torre responded to Duterte’s fistfight challenge, not with hostility, but with a bold proposal of a structured boxing match featuring corporate sponsors for each round to help maximize fundraising efforts.
“Let’s place their merchandise before each round. So 12 rounds, para marami tayong sponsors at marami tayong mai-raise na pondo,” he explained.
When asked whether he was truly taking Duterte’s challenge seriously, Torre said it didn’t matter.
“Naghamon siya ng suntukan and sa atin naman (He challenged me to a fistfight, and on my part), whether he is serious or not, let’s put just put this to a better use kung yan ang gusto niya (if that's what he wants),” he pressed on.
If Araneta isn’t available, Torre said he’s open to other venues.
“I’ll ask Araneta to set up a boxing ring. Hopefully, they will oblige. Kung wala naman maghanap tayo kung saang gym gusto niya (If that doesn't work out, we’ll look for whatever gym he prefers).”
When asked why he felt the need to respond, Torre clarified he recognized an opportunity to make a positive difference.
“Hindi ko naman siya pinapatulan. I just see this is an opportunity para makatulong sa ating mga kababayan kaya nga sigurado maraming sponsors nito and for the proceeds that we will raise we will donate to charity,” Torre said.
“Ako I will donate to charity kung ano man ang maging part ko dito at para sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo at baha ngayong nakaraang masamang panahon (For me, I will personally donate whatever share I have for those affected by the recent typhoons and floods),” he added.
He also emphasized that he holds no personal grudge against Duterte. “Nothing personal. Sa totoo lang, I just saw a very good opportunity to raise funds for charity.”
As for the possibility that Duterte backs out of the bout, Torre left the decision to him.
“Nasa kanya ’yun (It’s on him). He was the one who issued the challenge. Sa atin naman, tinatanggap lang naman (we are just accepting it),” he said.