Two-time SEA Games gold medalist Mervin Guarte stabbed to death in Calapan
MANILA, Philippines – Multiple-time Southeast Asian (SEA) Games medalist Mervin Guarte died Monday, January 6, after being stabbed by a still unidentified suspect, reports say. He was 33 years old.
Guarte, a two-time SEA Games gold medalist and an Airman First Class of the Philippine Air Force assigned at the San Fernando Airbase in Lipa City in Batangas, was reportedly sleeping in a house of a barangay councilor in Calapan City in Oriental Mindoro, when he was attacked.
The assailant reportedly stabbed Guarte in the chest, then fled towards an undetermined location. Guarte was able to call for help and was rushed to the nearest medical facility, where he died of his wounds.
“Today, Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation mourns the passing of one of our National Athletes, Mervin Guarte. He was (an original) having been part of our team since 2018. He gave the country two SEAG gold medals in 2019 and 2023. With Mervin, we won as one. He is family,” Philippine Obstacle Sports Federation head lawyer Al Agra posted on Facebook.
“Aside from loving obstacle sports and running, he loved his family and he loved his community. It was with and through him that we helped in the renovation of the St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro,” he added.
“We will miss you, Mervin. Thank you for your service. POSF is eternally grateful. May you Rest In Peace.”
Guarte represented the Philippines in both athletics and obstacle course events, securing SEA Games silver medals in the men’s 800 and 1500-meter track events.
He then pivoted towards obstacle course racing, copping gold in the 2019 Manila and 2023 Cambodia editions, securing a world record in the men’s team relay with 24.279 seconds.
The bemedalled athlete also ruled the Spartan 2024 APAC Championship men’s beast 21km category held in Fiji held last November.
Several national athletes expressed their shock over Guarte’s murder.
“RIP boss, mego…nakakabigla, malungkot kami mga national athletes na kasamahan mo sa nangyare minimessage mo pa nmn ako lagi sa tuwing nanalo ako.. #justice para sayo meg,” Olympic silver medalist Nesthy Petecio wrote.
(We national athletes are shocked, saddened over what happened. You used to message me when I won.)
“Today, I mourn the loss of a dear friend. You were one of the realest and nicest people I’ve met,” SEA Games gold medalist Kyle Antolin said in Filipino.
“You taught us how to live happily and full of gratitude, as if we were to live our last day. I will never forget the lessons and inspiration you taught us.”
Meanwhile, Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor condemned the slay.
“The provincial government condemns what happened to Mervin Guarte. We will not be fazed as we call for justice, and we continue to hope to hold those responsible for this crime,” the local chief executive said on Facebook. – Rappler.com