BY ALEX ALAGON
THE UNION of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM) strongly condemns the Monday evening shooting in General Santos City of our former paralegal, Warren Cahayag.
Davao City – The Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM) strongly condemns the Monday evening shooting in General Santos City of our former paralegal, Warren Cahayag.
Cahayag, one of UPLM’s founding paralegal members in 2005, sustained five gunshot wounds after being attacked by riding-in-tandem assailants in Barangay Calumpang, General Santos City. He is currently under observation.
This act of violence occurred against a backdrop of relentless attacks against activists, lawyers–human rights defenders–both in the region and nationwide. These systematic assaults aim to create a chilling effect–sowing fear, silencing dissent, and paralyzing the vital work of those who serve the marginalized. They are designed to leave defenders exposed and vulnerable to attacks, fostering a dangerous climate of impunity.
Barely a month ago, on 23 June 2025, Ali Macalintal, a former human rights defender and also a former UPLM paralegal, was killed inside her spa in General Santos City.
We also remember our fallen fellow UPLM lawyer, Atty. Juan Macababbad, who was shot outside his house in Surallah, South Cotabato, on 15 September 2021. His case remains unresolved to date.
We call on the Marcos, Jr. administration to put an end to this senseless violence. His deliberate failure to acknowledge the continuing human rights violations in his fourth State of the Nation Address betrays a lack of serious commitment to human rights, sanctity of life, and the rule of law and justice.
We also call on the PNP, particularly Chief Nicolas Torre III, who hails from South Cotabato himself, to form a dedicated and credible special investigation task force to probe these attacks and ensure that not only the gunmen but also the masterminds are held accountable.
The families of the victims and the public deserve no less than this.
Stop the attacks! End impunity now!
References:
Atty. Antonio C. Azarcon UPLM Chair (Contact: +639199124767)
Atty. Arvin Dexter M. Lopoz UPLM Public Information Officer and Spokesperson (Contact: +639260583543)
THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED boxing match between Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Nicolas Torre III failed to materialize on Sunday, July 27, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum as the former is enjoying a family vacation overseas.
The acting mayor, the youngest son of former President Rodrigo Duterte, instead proposed to reschedule the fight for “Tuesday or Wednesday or any weekday” this coming week.
He conveyed his availability in a pre-taped podcast aired Saturday night, where he also clarified his initial intent.
“Kung lalaki ka talaga, suntukan tayo. Di naman kita hinamon, sinabi ko talaga na suntukan tayo, mabubugbog kita, hindi kita hinamon tanga (If you’re a man, let’s fight. I am not really challenging you, stupid. I just said that if we were to fight, I might beat you up. You’re just as stupid as the journalist who asked you),” Duterte said.
The boxing saga began when Duterte publicly expressed a desire to “punch Torre,” a sentiment which Torre accepted on July 21.
Torre, however, elevated the proposed confrontation into a 12-round charity boxing event aimed at raising aid for victims of Metro Manila floods, and suggested the Rizal Memorial Coliseum as the venue for a 9 a.m. match on Sunday, July 27.
Duterte, in his podcast, voiced skepticism about the charity framing. “If you really just want a fight, why do you even need the floods for charity?” he questioned, dismissing the boxing match as a “smokescreen” or “diversionary issue” orchestrated by mainstream media.
Adding another layer to the developing spectacle, Duterte had previously stated a condition for the fight: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other elected officials must first undergo a hair follicle drug test.
Despite Duterte’s no-show, individuals began to arrive at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, anticipating the event. When asked about Duterte’s potential absence, Torre remained unperturbed, stating, “That’s his call. Either way, we already have sponsors lined up who pledged to donate relief goods for communities affected by recent heavy rains and flooding.”
Duterte, maintaining his stance on a weekday bout, extended an offer to Torre in Cebuano during his podcast: “Tuesday, Wednesday, but not Sunday. Tuesday, Wednesday, or any other day. I think it’s better for you because you still have time to practice.”
- Rep. Duterte sets more conditions for proposed Torre-Baste boxing match
FIRST District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte added to the growing list of conditions before the proposed boxing match between Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte and PNP Director General Nicolas Torre III can push through.
For instance, Torre and his younger brother must sign a waiver to absolve both parties of any legal liability in case of injury or worse.
“If he is serious, he should sign a waiver first. Because if he gets hurt or dies, my brother will go to prison. They should sign it with a lawyer. That would be better. They are all supposedly fearless,” he said.
Duterte underscored the importance of accountability for public officials, particularly those in high office, asserting that this principle must extend even to activities within a boxing ring.
Rep. Duterte also backed his brother’s condition that all elected officials must first undergo a hair follicle drug test before any boxing match takes place.
“If they are truly clean, then they have nothing to worry about. Why are you scared? Are you hiding something? Because if they agree to the hair follicle test, I will also undergo one even if I go bald. This should be standard if we want to set a good example for the public,” he said.
He further emphasized that public officials, especially those in uniform or holding elective positions, must prove they are not under the influence of drugs.
“Accountability starts with transparency. You can’t be throwing punches while hiding something.”
With that said, Duterte largely dismissed the boxing challenge as mere “pampapogi” (for show) and theatrics.
He suggested that if Torre genuinely wished to assist flood victims in Metro Manila and Luzon, he should simply donate his own money.“If he really wanted to help, simply donate. Nobody has to fight anyone,” he asserted.
“This isn’t showbiz. We need public servants focused on real solutions, not side shows,” he said, adding that the country is already grappling with more pressing issues, including widespread flooding, economic pressure, and critical disaster response gaps.
