Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III announced on Sunday that over P16 million in donations raised from the charity boxing event “Boxing for a Cause: Laban sa Nasalanta” will be handed over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to help communities hit by recent storms and flooding.
The highly anticipated main event — a bout between Torre and acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte — drew thousands to the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila. But as Duterte failed to appear, Torre was declared the winner by default. Despite the no-show, the charity event still succeeded in collecting significant cash and in-kind aid.
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Support Pours in Despite Canceled Fight
In addition to cash pledges, the event received canned food, sacks of rice, and other relief items for families affected by the southwest monsoon and recent typhoons. Torre said he was moved by the overwhelming generosity.
“I was also surprised with the flow of support. But I am thankful to our kababayan who responded to our call because this event, this charity boxing match, is really for entertainment because of what happened in the past days,” Torre shared, after arriving at the venue Sunday morning.
By Saturday night, total cash donations had reached around P15 million, and by the end of the event, the amount grew beyond P16 million. The PNP also raised an additional P300,000 from ticket sales and voluntary contributions.
The event featured four undercard matches with the PNP boxing team, attracting large crowds early in the day. Among those present were Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, National Police Commission Vice Chairman Rapahelm Calinisan, and senior PNP officials.
DSWD Welcomes Aid for Disaster Victims
DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao expressed gratitude to the PNP for dedicating the funds to relief efforts.
“We thank Gen. Torre and the PNP for donating to the DSWD the more than P16 million that came from the proceeds of the boxing match,” Dumlao said. “The huge amount of donation will go a long way in terms of assistance to millions of our fellow Filipinos who were affected by the ‘habagat’ and other weather disturbances.”
The DSWD plans to use the donation to supplement the P293 million in aid it has already distributed to families and individuals displaced or affected by recent floods and weather events.
Despite the canceled headline fight, the charity event achieved its goal: rallying public support to help Filipinos in crisis.
