Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Nicolas Torre III, on Thursday, began training for a ‘charity boxing match' against Davao City Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte.
Fresh from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) briefing with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Torre headed straight to the PNP Gym to start his preparations.
The challenge started during an episode of Duterte’s podcast on Sunday, where he dared Torre to a fistfight.
"Matapang ka lang naman, you have the position. Pero kung suntukan tayo, alam ko kaya kita kung gano'n lang. You are a coward. You are nothing without your position," said Duterte during an episode of his podcast Basta Dabawenyo on July 20.
The PNP chief accepted the challenge on Wednesday, July 23, and suggested turning the 12-round bout into a 'boxing match for a cause,' aimed at raising funds for victims of the recent floods and southwest monsoon or habagat.
Torre proposed a date for the match this Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Tamang-tama, maraming nasalanta ngayon ng bagyo at baha. Maybe we can use this moment and this opportunity to raise funds in a charity boxing match,” Torre said.
Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson also weighed in on the match, which, on Thursday, he revealed that a casino executive had offered their ballroom as a possible venue for the charity bout.
“For the sake of the many poor flood victims, let’s do it!” Lacson posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The proposed boxing match has gained attention online, with supporters hoping it will draw public interest and much-needed donations for disaster relief efforts.
Meanwhie, Duterte set condition that all government officials undergo drug testing before the match against Torre.
