What was hyped as a charity boxing showdown between PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III and Davao City’s acting mayor Baste Duterte turned into a one-man show after Duterte failed to show up—without explanation—on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Despite the glaring absence of Duterte, Torre still stepped into the ring, not to throw punches but to thank the crowd who turned up for what was supposed to be a high-profile exhibition fight for a good cause.
“Even without a fight, the real victory is what we’ve raised together,” Torre declared, announcing that over P20 million in cash and relief goods had been collected for flood victims.
According to Torre, P340,000 came from entrance fees, while P16 million in donations poured in from sponsors outside the event. An additional P4.2 million worth of rice and canned goods was also donated.
“The support was overwhelming. You, the people, showed up. Unfortunately, some who were supposed to lead by example didn’t,” Torre said pointedly, a remark many interpreted as a dig at Duterte’s no-show.
The match was originally promoted as a rare moment of unity between police leadership and local politicians—until Duterte’s unexplained absence made it feel like another case of big talk with no follow-through.
Baste Duterte, known more for Instagram selfies and weekend escapades than actual governance, has not released a statement explaining his absence. Critics online have dubbed him the “Shadow Mayor” of Davao, appearing in name only and vanishing when things get serious.
Despite the drama, Torre followed through. He visited flood-stricken communities near Baseco Port in Manila after the event, bringing attention and aid to families impacted by the recent string of storms—Crising, Dante, and Emong—that have affected more than 6.5 million Filipinos nationwide.
The donations will be handed over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Philippine Red Cross, including its Quezon City chapter.
As for Baste Duterte, the silence continues.