PNP Chief and Davao Mayor Challenge Each Other to Fight
Acting Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte recently threw down a bold challenge to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III. He dared Torre to a fistfight, sparking another round of heated exchanges between the two officials.
This confrontation stems from past clashes, including Torre’s role in serving an arrest warrant against Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, earlier this year. The keyphrase “PNP Chief and Davao Mayor” naturally fits this ongoing rivalry.
During his podcast “Basta Dabawenyo,” Duterte declared, “You’re only brave if you have the position. If we had a fistfight, I can take you on.” His words reflect his confidence and willingness to confront Torre beyond political disputes.
PNP Chief Proposes Charity Boxing Match
Responding to Duterte’s challenge, Gen. Torre suggested turning the confrontation into a charity boxing event. Speaking to reporters in Calabarzon, he said the match could raise funds for those affected by the recent southwest monsoon floods.
“It’s just right. Many of our citizens now are in need of help and affected by the storms and the floods. So, maybe this is a very good time for a charity boxing match. We can do it on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum,” Torre said, showing a mix of humor and seriousness.
He added, “It’s okay with me if he really is serious,” emphasizing his openness to the idea. Torre even joked about having Manny Pacquiao act as the referee, bringing a touch of Filipino pride to the proposal.
Longstanding Tensions Between Officials
The tension between the PNP Chief and Davao Mayor isn’t new. When Torre was promoted from major general to the PNP chief last June, Duterte criticized the promotion as undeserved, claiming Torre jumped ranks to secure the position.
Torre countered by reminding critics that former President Duterte had also appointed top officials from Davao to high ranks, including Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who rose from brigadier general to PNP chief in 2016.
The ongoing verbal sparring highlights a complex relationship between political figures and law enforcement leaders, often blending personal and professional conflicts.
For more news and updates on PNP Chief and Davao Mayor, visit Filipinokami.com.
