MANILA, Philippines – A war of words has escalated into a bold challenge as Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte dared Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III to a fistfight. The fiery remark came during Sunday’s episode of Duterte’s podcast, Basta Dabawenyo, where he accused Torre of displaying bravery only due to his position in government.
Photo Credit: Byahe ni Nante
“If we had a fistfight, I can take you on,” Duterte said, throwing shade at Torre, who previously led the arrest operation against the mayor’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, in March.
The PNP chief, however, responded with a surprising twist. Speaking to reporters in Calabarzon on Wednesday, July 23, Torre accepted the challenge but proposed turning the heated exchange into a charity boxing event to help flood victims affected by the ongoing southwest monsoon (habagat).
“Many of our people are suffering from the recent storms and floods. Why not use this opportunity to raise funds through a boxing match?” Torre said. “We can hold it this Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum. I’ll be there at 9:00 a.m., ready for 12 rounds.”
Torre even joked that boxing icon Manny Pacquiao should serve as the referee for the potential bout.
Despite the humorous tone, Torre emphasized that his primary motivation is to aid those in need. “Whether he’s serious or not, I just see this as a chance to help the people. It’s not about picking a fight.”
The public spat between Duterte and Torre is not a new development. Duterte previously criticized Torre’s recent promotion to PNP chief, claiming it was not based on merit and involved a leapfrogging of ranks. In response, Torre pointed out that former President Duterte himself appointed Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa as PNP chief in 2016 despite similar concerns, as Dela Rosa was also promoted from a one-star to four-star general.
While it remains uncertain if the charity match will push through, the exchange has sparked public curiosity—and even amusement—about a rare political showdown possibly heading to the boxing ring.
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III has accepted the challenge of Davao City acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte to a fistfight, suggesting it be turned into a charity match for victims of the weather disturbances. pic.twitter.com/TWtmUp5k4i
— Michael Joe Delizo (@michael_delizo) July 23, 2025
Whether a real fight materializes or not, the situation has captured national attention, blending politics, personal feuds, and the Filipino spirit of bayanihan.