Davao City 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte says he has "forgiven" the Australian national who allegedly tried to run him over during a road altercation nearly a decade ago.
This, after Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) operatives arrested the suspect, 82-year-old Michael Hatcher in Pasig City.
"It has come to my attention that a certain Michael Hatcher was apprehended by CIDG supposedly under a warrant of arrest issued for a pending case in Davao City involving me and a local police officer," Duterte said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 3.
"I remember very well what happened between me and Mr. Hatcher and it pains me everytime I am reminded of it. Nevertheless, I have decided to forgive Mr. Hatcher and move on as I believe it is the more noble thing to do than to forever hold a grudge against an 82 year old man," he added.
It turned out Hatcher was accused of trying to run over Duterte, who was then a vice mayor, and a police escort along McArthur Highway in Davao City in 2013.
Information coming from Duterte's office Wednesday bared that the congressman was planning to drop the charges against the foreigner.
"I also pray that Mr. Hatcher will finally find peace in his heart and live the rest of his life happily with his loved ones," the second-term solon said.
In 2016, Duterte’s father, ex-Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, ran for the presidency and won via landslide.