Baste Duterte flies to Singapore amid upcoming boxing match

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it has received information that acting Davao Mayor Baste Duterte has flown to Singapore amid his upcoming charity boxing match against the country’s top cop.

According to the NBI, Duterte departed from Davao International Airport for Singapore on Friday morning.

Duterte is expected to have a charity boxing match against Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Nicolas Torre III at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila on Sunday.

This came after Duterte mentioned Torre and challenged him to a fistfight in a vlog uploaded on YouTube on Sunday.

On Thursday, Duterte, however, gave a condition to Torre for the bout to push through. He said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should direct all officials to undergo a hair follicle drug test. 

GMA News Online is reaching out to Duterte for his comment.

Boxing ring setup

Ahead of Duterte's flight, the PNP said it has begun setting up the boxing ring for the match at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo shared several photos with the media showing the setup.

Torre accepted Duterte's boxing challenge and said there are already "sponsors" for the event.

“Whether he shows up or not, may mga sponsors na may nagsabi na magdo-donate na lang ng mga ayuda sa ating mga kababayan na nasalanta ng bagyo at baha,” Torre said.

(Whether he shows up or not, there are sponsors who have said they will just donate aid to our countrymen affected by the tropical cyclones and floods.)

While he is ready for the showdown, Duterte said that he does not buy the idea that it’s for “charity.”

“Huwag kang mag-alala Torre, kasi matagal ko na talaga gusto makabugbog ng unggoy,” the mayor said in a video posted on social media.

(Don't worry, Torre, because I've really wanted to beat up a monkey for a long time.)

“Kung gusto mo lang talaga ng suntukan, bakit kailangan mo pa ng charity, charity? Why do you need…kailangan mo pang gamitin yang nangyayari ngayon na baha diyan sa Metro Manila?”

(If you really just want a fight, why do you need to say it’s for charity? Why do you need to use what is happening right now with the floods in Metro Manila?)

Davao City Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte has called on Torre to sign a document absolving his brother of any liability if the boxing match pushes through.

“Kung seryoso siya, mag-sign muna ng waiver. Kay kung mapuruhan siya, mamatay, makukulong ang kapatid ko,” Congressman Duterte said.  

(If he is serious, he should sign a waiver. If he is badly hurt, or killed, my brother will be sent to jail.)

The waiver, Duterte said, should absolve his younger brother of any legal liability should anything happen to either of them during the much-hyped bout.

“Mag-sign muna ng waiver. Magpa-drug test na rin. Kung talagang malinis, then it’s a go,” Congressman Duterte added.

Meanwhile, the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) has issued a resolution to ensure the safety and integrity of the charity boxing match between Torre and Duterte.

In its Resolution No. 2025-08 Series of 2025 dated Friday, GAB said that, upon the request of the participants, the Board shall recommend a qualified and duly accredited professional referee to officiate the Torre vs. Duterte boxing match.

It shall also direct its medical team to be on standby to provide immediate assistance to the participants if needed.

“GAB has duly accredited professional referees who are qualified to officiate the bout and ensure that it is conducted under the established rules and standards of boxing,” the Board said.

“Medical personnel, consisting of licensed physicians and paramedics, are available and capable of providing immediate medical attention to the participants in the event of injuries or emergencies during the match,” it added.—With Joviland Rita/Llanesca Panti/LDF, GMA Integrated News