Baste Duterte Challenges PNP Chief Gen. Torre
Acting Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte fired back at Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, setting a clear condition before agreeing to their proposed charity boxing fight. Duterte insisted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. must first undergo a hair follicle drug test before the match can proceed.
This bold statement came during Duterte’s podcast last Sunday, where he challenged Torre to a fistfight. The police chief accepted the challenge on Wednesday, suggesting the bout be a charity boxing match to help victims of the recent southwest monsoon or habagat.
In a video posted on social media Thursday, Duterte responded firmly in Filipino: “If you’re really serious about this, if you really want that charity event and you’ve laid some conditions, then let me lay my own conditions for the event.” He added, “Talk to your master, the president. Let it come out of his mouth that all elected officials should undergo a hair follicle drug test. Then, I will accept your charity event. No problem.”
The Dutertes have repeatedly called for President Marcos to submit to this drug test, especially amid tensions following Vice President Sara Duterte’s strained relationship with the president.
PNP Chief Prepares for Boxing Match at Rizal Memorial
Gen. Torre is no stranger to the Dutertes’ criticisms. As former director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), he led the enforcement of an arrest warrant against former President Rodrigo Duterte in March. At that time, Torre held the rank of major general.
After his appointment as PNP chief last June, he was promoted to a four-star general. Baste Duterte criticized this promotion, claiming it was undeserved and involved skipping ranks. Torre countered by recalling that former President Duterte appointed Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa as PNP chief in 2016 when he was only a brigadier general.
On Thursday, Torre began training for the upcoming fight at the PNP Gymnasium in Camp Crame, Quezon City. He also revealed that the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila is being prepared for the event.
When asked about Duterte’s possible absence, Torre stated, “It’s up to him. Whether he shows up or not, we already have sponsors who said they were donating relief goods for those affected by the heavy rain and the flood.”
Duterte retorted sharply: “Don’t worry, Torre, because I’ve long wanted to beat up a monkey.” He also questioned the charity aspect, saying, “If you really want a fight, why do you need to make it about charity? Why do you need to use what’s going on now, that there’s a flood there in Metro Manila?”
Charity Boxing Fight Sparks Public Interest
The proposed charity boxing match between Baste Duterte and Gen. Torre has caught public attention not only because of the personalities involved but also due to the underlying political tensions. The event aims to raise funds for those affected by recent flooding, yet it has also become a stage for political statements and challenges.
While Torre is preparing physically and logistically for the bout, Duterte’s conditions and remarks highlight the ongoing political drama within the country’s leadership circles. Both figures remain in the spotlight as this unique boxing event draws closer.
For more news and updates on Baste Duterte sets condition, visit Filipinokami.com.
