Davao City Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte departed for Singapore on Friday, July 25, 2025, along with his family and staff. This was confirmed by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director General Jaime Santiago in a statement to the media.
According to Santiago, Duterte’s trip had been coordinated with relevant authorities, and there was no indication that the mayor was evading any commitment, particularly the much-anticipated charity boxing match against Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Nicolas Torre III scheduled for Sunday, July 27.
“Mayor Duterte is accompanied by his family and official staff. This is not an uncoordinated departure. We were informed in advance,” Santiago said, allaying speculations regarding the timing of Duterte’s international trip just days before the boxing event.
The charity match between the two prominent public officials has generated nationwide attention, especially after Duterte publicly challenged Torre to a fistfight earlier this month. The exchange, which initially caused controversy, was eventually turned into a peace-driven campaign event intended to raise funds for selected beneficiaries.
Despite Duterte’s trip, Torre has remained firm on his commitment to proceed with the bout. “We are pushing through this Sunday. If he shows up, we’ll box for charity. If not, we’ll still make the event worthwhile,” the PNP Chief said during a press interview after a training session held in Camp Crame.
Torre also clarified that his participation in the match is meant to showcase unity and not hostility between government officials. “This is about sportsmanship, not political rivalry,” he added.
It remains unclear whether Mayor Duterte will return in time for the boxing match. However, his camp has not released any official statement regarding a postponement or cancellation of his scheduled participation.
The charity event is expected to draw hundreds of attendees, including police personnel, local government officials, and members of the public. Proceeds from the event will reportedly go to rehabilitation programs and the families of fallen uniformed personnel.
As of Friday evening, immigration records confirmed Duterte’s outbound flight to Singapore, and authorities have reiterated that there are no legal impediments to his travel. Still, all eyes will be on whether the acting mayor returns in time to step into the ring this Sunday.
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