Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte aired a scathing tirade against the leadership of the Philippine National Police on Sunday, which earned a boxing match response from top cop Police Gen. Nicolas Torre II to settle the score the next day.

Mayor Duterte accused the PNP of harassment, corruption, and political posturing while undermining local governance.

Mayor Duterte, during his podcast “Basta Dabawenyo,” said he was unconcerned about appointing the Davao City Police Office new director and expressed disappointment over what he claimed was deliberate non-cooperation from the PNP leadership.

Police Regional Office-11 acting director Police Brig. Gen. Joseph Arguelles said that the city mayor has the authority to choose from at least three nominees to be the next police chief recommended by the PNP.

“I wasn’t given a say in the appointment of the DCPO director, so I do not know if I can advise on how the police should do their job here. First and foremost, I’m the mayor and a local here. I grew up here. I know this place. I know the people here and how they behave,” Mayor Duterte said.

He added that it would be up to the PNP if new city police director – Police Col. Mannan Caracas Muarip – appointed by Torre, would not listen to him and cooperate.

Mayor Duterte emphasized that knowing the local community is key to keeping peace and order.

He expressed skepticism over Torre’s promise to replicate the quick response strategy he claimed to have successfully implemented as Quezon City Police District chief. He challenged Torre to prove his widely promoted three-minute police response time here.

Torre said he used the same system before in Quezon City, even with one officer for every 2,000 people. He believes it is easier to implement in Davao City where there is a police officer for about every 700 people.

“He said he has a three-minute response system,” Mayor Duterte said in English and Filipino dialect. “That means he is responsible for ensuring no crimes happen in Davao City. He said it, so let us see if Davaoeños will feel it.”

Mayor Duterte acknowledged the importance of the PNP’s crime prevention duties but he questioned the motives behind Torre’s leadership and accused him of political harassment.

“I think what they are doing is purely harassment. Do not worry, Mr. Torre, I’m used to you. We are all used to you. You even kidnapped my father (former President Rodrigo Duterte) before. Do whatever you want. We still have two years until the filing of candidacy for 2027,” he said.

The acting city mayor also called the police chief a coward and alleged his strength only comes from his post.

He dared Torre to continue alleged harassment, emphasizing his readiness to fight back, even swaying at the general’s supposed reliance on rank.

"Gusto mong harassin ako, harassin mo lang ako. Kasi matapang ka lang naman kasi we have the position. Pero kung suntukan tayo, alam ko naman kaya kita, kung ganun lang. But you are a coward, nothing without your position,” Mayor Duterte said.

(You want to harass me? Go ahead and harass me. You’re only brave because you have the position. But if it came down to a fistfight, I know I could take you if that’s all. You’re a coward—you are nothing without your position)

Mayor Duterte criticized the overall narrative presented by law enforcement and national leadership, mocking what he described as a poor performance disguised as public service.

“From cockfighting gamblers who suddenly turned into a war on drugs—what a terrible show. If this were on Rotten Tomatoes, it would score 15 percent. If on IMDb—since it’s more mainstream—maybe a four. It’s not a good movie,” Mayor Duterte said.

Mayor Duterte warned the general public that the true intent behind these spectacles is to distract the public while corruption flourishes behind the scenes. He said the people behind these shenanigans only do all this to maneuver their true intent freely.

“Corruption is very rampant in the Philippines. This moment serves as a clear example of what bad governance looks like. We, as Filipinos, should learn from this. This isn’t Hollywood. We’re talking about real people’s lives. Only fools would believe this nonsense,” Mayor Duterte said.