THE Philippine sports community is mourning the tragic death of Mervin Guarte, a long-time member of the national team and a multi-medalist in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
Guarte, a key figure in the national sports obstacle team, was stabbed while he was sleeping early Monday morning in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
“Today, the Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation mourns the passing of one of our National Athletes, Mervin Guarte. He was our OG, having been part of our Team since 2018. He gave the country two gold SEA Games medals in 2019 and 2023. With Mervin, we won as one,” said POSF president Alberto Agra in a heartfelt tribute.
Agra highlighted Guarte’s contributions beyond the sport, noting his active role in community programs.
“Aside from loving obstacle sports and running, he loved his family and 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. We will miss you, Mervin. Thank you for your service. POSF is eternally grateful. May you rest in peace.”
Guarte also served as an Airman First Class in the Philippine Air Force, stationed at the Fernando Airbase in Lipa City, Batangas.
Local leaders have condemned the senseless killing.
Calapan City Mayor Malou Flores-Morillo and Gov. Bonz Dolor of Oriental Mindoro expressed their outrage and called for swift justice.
Gov. Dolor, in a social media post, stated, “We are in constant communication with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to find the perpetrator behind the killing of Mervin Guarte. I have directed PPO-OrMin, led by PCOL Edison Revita, to ensure justice is served promptly.”
The Philippine National Police Provincial Regional Office MIMAROPA reported that the 33-year-old athlete was sleeping in the living room of a barangay councilor’s house when an unidentified assailant entered the premises around 4:30 a.m. and stabbed him in the chest. The suspect fled immediately in an unknown direction.
Guarte’s journey in sports began in athletics. He first represented the Philippines in the 2011 Jakarta SEA Games, where he won two silver medals in the men’s 800m and 1500m events.
In 2019, he shifted to obstacle sports and quickly excelled, winning his first gold medal in the SEA Games in Manila in the men’s 5km race. His winning streak continued in 2023 when he secured another gold medal as part of the OCR men’s relay team in Cambodia.
