PNP Chief Nicolas Torre III began training after accepting a challenge from Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte for a charity boxing match. Torre practiced at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum after a briefing with President Marcos on the flooding and the effects of the southwest monsoon.
Baste Duterte, on the other hand, gave his own condition before continuing the fight. According to him, the President should himself announce that all elected officials will undergo a hair follicle drug test. “If you’re serious, let’s do that,” Baste said in his Facebook video.
Torre initially wanted to hold the fight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, but because of a scheduled concert, it will be held at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. According to Torre, the ring is ready for the fight. Sen. Panfilo Lacson also announced that a casino owner is willing to host the charity match and that he will buy a ticket worth his one-month pension to help flood victims.
While practicing, Torre admitted that he needed to refresh his boxing skills. “I’m older, my stamina is a little weak,” Torre joked. Even though there are only two days of training left, he hopes Baste will come for the benefit of the typhoon victims.
Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla criticized Baste's insults against Torre and his fistfight challenge. He said that as a city mayor, he should serve as a good example to the youth.
