Manila: Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III emerged victorious by default in a charity boxing match as acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian 'Baste' Duterte did not attend the event. The match, held at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, successfully raised over PHP20 million through cash donations and ticket sales.

According to Philippines News Agency, the event saw Torre stepping into the ring with the iconic song 'Eye of the Tiger' playing in the background after four undercard matches featuring the PNP Boxing Team. The charity initiative aimed to support those affected by the recent typhoon. The PNP has already received approximately PHP16.3 million in cash donations from various sponsors, alongside two tons of relief goods valued at around PHP4.2 million. Ticket sales contributed an additional PHP350,000 to the fund.

The proceeds from the event will be donated to typhoon victims, with distributions facilitated by agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Philippine Red Cross. Torre also mentioned plans to deliver aid to communities in Baseco, Manila.

The event was initially prompted by Duterte's suggestion of a fistfight with Torre during a podcast, which Torre proposed to turn into a charity boxing match. However, Duterte's subsequent demands, including drug testing for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and other officials, led to Torre sensing a lack of genuine interest from Duterte in the fight.

Despite the absence of his opponent, Torre emphasized the importance of carrying out the event due to commitments from sponsors. He dismissed further attempts by Duterte to reschedule the fight, citing the credibility issues and the need to uphold the original challenge.

The charity event was attended by prominent figures, including Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, National Police Commission Vice Chairman Raphael Calinisan, and senior PNP officials.