Davao City Representative and reelectionist Paolo "Pulong" Duterte has chosen to remain silent regarding a complaint for physical injuries and grave threats filed against him before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

"Sa mga kapatid kong Davaoeño, ngayon may nakita na naman kayong video. Matagal-tagal na itong nangyari. Ah sige lang, nasa sa inyo pa rin ang desisyon kung sino ang inyong ibobotong congressman sa unang distrito. 'Di ako makikialam," Duterte said in Cebuano in a video on his Facebook account.

Duterte said he has yet to receive a copy of the complaint, and his legal team is verifying a video where he was allegedly seen physically assaulting a man.

"Sinabihan ako ng abogado na until now inu-authenticate pa nila kung saan galing 'yung video. So parang nauna 'yung file niyan, ewan kung sa CIDG ba naunang mag-file sa CIDG ang testimony, ang affidavit sa social media instead sa fiscal. So 'di ako makagawa ng statement niyan kasi 'di kami nakatanggap ng dokumento na may nag-file sa akin ng kaso," he said.

A businessman has filed a complaint for physical injuries and grave threats against Duterte before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Based on the complaint, Duterte was accused of violating Article 265 and Article 282 of the Revised Penal Code.

The incident allegedly took place on February 23, Sunday, at a bar in Davao City.

The filing was confirmed by Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon.

In his sworn statement, the complainant said Duterte threatened him with a knife and beat him up for around two hours.

“At hineadbutt niya ko sa ulo nang maraming beses at ako ay humihingi sa kanya ng patawad kung ano man ang nagawa kong mali sa kanya ngunit patuloy pa rin siya na hineadbutt ang aking ulo at inuundayan niya ulit ako ng kutsilyo,” the complainant said.

He said Duterte turned off the CCTV after noticing that there was one.

“Halos 2 hours niya akong sinaktan sa loob ng bar. Suntok, sampal, tadyak, ang aking inabot kay Paolo Duterte dahil sa galit niya sa akin,” the complainant said.

After this, he said Duterte handed him P1,000 for each hit.

According to the complainant, he did not seek medical attention or file a legal case due to fear. 

(Reports from Jamil Santos, GMA Integrated News)