A knockout idea? Philippines police chief accepts boxing challenge from Duterte’s son

Philippine National Police chief General Nicolas Torre III has accepted a challenge to a fist-fight from the son of former president Rodrigo Duterte, proposing that the clash be held this weekend as a charity event to raise funds for typhoon and flood victims.

The dramatic exchange, which has captivated Filipinos online, is the latest escalation in an increasingly personal feud between the Duterte family and the country’s top police officer.

Tensions have simmered since Torre oversaw the March 11 arrest and transfer of former president Duterte to The Hague, where he awaits trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity.

But the conflict burst into public view on Sunday when Sebastian “Baste” Duterte – the acting mayor of Davao City and youngest son of the ex-president – challenged Torre to step down from his post and fight him man-to-man.

“You want to harass me? Go ahead,” the younger Duterte, 37, said during a podcast on Sunday. “You’re only brave because you have the position. But in a fist-fight, I can take you on. It’s that simple … You’re a coward, you’re nothing without your position sa totoo lang (in truth).”

Told about the challenge on Wednesday, the 55-year-old Torre immediately accepted, telling reporters the fight could be put to good use. “Perfect, there have been many victims of the typhoon and floods. Maybe we can use this opportunity to raise funds in a charity boxing match.”