Preps underway as Baste Duterte flies to Singapore ahead of boxing match vs. Torre
The venue for the upcoming boxing match between PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III and Davao City acting mayor Baste Duterte is now being set up even as the latter flew to Singapore on Friday, July 25, for an unspecified business.
In Philippine National Police's images obtained by The Philippine STAR, the boxing ring for the potential fight is seen being set up at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum Friday afternoon.
Torre previously told reporters that the fight would be held on Sunday, July 27.
"Asa kanya (Duterte) na 'yun whether he shows up or not. May mga sponsors na nagsabi na mag-do-donate na lang ng pang-ayuda sa ating mga kababayan na nasalanta ng bagyo at baha," the country's top cop said.
"This coming Sunday, maraming tao na pupunta sa Rizal Memorial Coliseum, and at 9:00, whether [Duterte] shows up or not, we will just continue with the distribution of aid sa ating mga kababayan," he added.
In anticipation for the match, the PNP Makati City Police Station has also met with Games and Amusements Board Chairman Francisco J. Rivera and Commissioner Manuel S. Plaza III to discuss the proposed event.
"The Games and Amusements Board recognizes the importance of ensuring the safety and welfare of the participants. As such, the Board is ready to extend technical support and medical supervision for the event, should the participants request it," they stated in a post on Facebook.
According to them, they will "recommend a qualified and accredited referee to officiate the Torre v. Duterte boxing match" and "direct its medical personnel to be on hand to assist the participants should the need arise."
Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte commented on the issue and requested that Torre sign a waiver absolving his younger brother of any legal responsibility in the event that something goes wrong during the boxing match.
"Mag-sign muna ng waiver. Magpa-drug test na rin. Kung talagang malinis, eh ‘di go," he said.
The Philippine STAR also detailed that Duterte had left the country to fly to Singapore for an unspecified business, based on intel from the Bureau of Immigration. It is not known when he will be back in the Philippines.
The boxing match came after Duterte criticized Torre in his talk show called Basta Dabawenyo for telling local police how to run things in the city, noting he was born and raised there.
"I know this place. I know the people here. I know how people behave," he said. "Pero 'pag itong nilagay na city director ni Torre, hindi makikinig sa akin, hindi magcocooperate, it's up to them."
Duterte noted that what would happen after the three-minute call is "harassment."
"Do not worry, Mr. Torre. Sanay na ako sa iyo," he said, before accusing the police chief of "kidnapping" his father, former president Rodrigo Duterte. (The elder Duterte has been detained at the International Criminal Court since March 12 for alleged crimes against humanity, with Torre leading his arrest the previous day at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.)
Duterte also claimed that Torre has two years to prepare for his supposed candidacy, as well as having a supposed criminal case.
"Gusto mo ako harasin, harasin mo lang ako. Kasi matapang ka lang naman kasi you have the position. Pero kung suntukan tayo, kaya kita. Ganoon lang," he said. "But you're a coward. You are nothing without your position, sa totoo lang."
Torre accepted his challenge but said that he wanted an official boxing match in the ring—and for charity purposes at that.
