Duterte Challenges PNP Chief to a Fistfight; Top Cop Accepts, Proposes Charity Bout

Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre spends time in the gym practicing boxing in preparation for the fistfight challenge called by Davao City Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte. 

Duterte Challenges PNP Chief to a Fistfight; Top Cop Accepts, Proposes Charity Bout

By Wilma N Yamzon – TheNationWeek.Com  

July 24, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – A simmering feud between Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III has escalated into a public challenge, with the mayor daring the nation’s top cop to a fistfight.

Torre, known for leading the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in executing the arrest warrant against Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, last March, has accepted the challenge, proposing a charity boxing match to benefit those affected by recent flooding.

The gauntlet was thrown during a recent episode of Duterte’s podcast, “Basta Dabawenyo,” where he questioned Torre’s bravery, stating, “You’re only brave if you have the position. If we had a fistfight, I can take you on.”

Torre responded on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, while speaking to reporters in Calabarzon, embracing the challenge with a philanthropic twist.

“It’s just right,” Torre stated. “Many of our citizens are now in need of help and are 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.” He added, “It’s okay with me if he really is serious.”

Going a step further, Torre humorously suggested enlisting Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao as the referee for the proposed bout, injecting a dose of levity into the escalating situation.

The public sparring match is not the first exchange between the two figures.

Duterte had previously criticized Torre’s rapid ascent to the position of PNP chief in June, alleging that the promotion, which elevated him from a two-star major general to a four-star general, was not based on merit.

He accused Torre of “jumping up several ranks” to secure the job.

Torre countered by pointing out that former President Duterte himself had appointed Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, then a brigadier general (one-star rank), as PNP chief in 2016, highlighting a similar trajectory under the previous administration.

While the likelihood of an actual boxing match remains uncertain, the public challenge and acceptance have ignited public interest, raising questions about the political undertones and the potential for a unique fundraising effort.

The ball is now in Duterte’s court to respond to Torre’s charitable proposition and determine if the feud will culminate in a literal or metaphorical showdown.