A seasoned athlete and national pride, Mervin Guarte, was killed in his sleep early morning on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
The 33-year-old multi-medalist and member of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) was allegedly attacked while sleeping in the house of a barangay official.
An unidentified suspect entered the house and stabbed Guarte in the chest before fleeing, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP) MIMAROPA.
Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor condemned the killing and vowed swift justice.
“Patuloy ang pakikipag-ugnayan natin sa Philippine National Police (PNP) para mahanap ang tao sa likod ng pagkakapaslang kay Mervin Guarte. Binigyan natin ng direktiba ang PPO-OrMin sa pangunguna ni PCOL Edison Revita upang agarang makamit ang hustisya,” Dolor said in a Facebook post.
Authorities have launched an investigation to identify and apprehend the suspect.
GUARTE'S CAREER
Guarte’s career spanned over a decade, beginning in the 2011 Jakarta Southeast Asian (SEA) Games where he secured silver medals in the 800m and 1500m events.
He later transitioned to obstacle course racing, winning gold in the men’s 5 kilometer race during the 2019 Manila SEA Games.
He also triumphed in the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games as part of the men’s relay team.
A champion both on the track and in obstacle course events, Guarte also clinched the 2024 Spartan Asia Pacific Men’s Beast 21 kilometer title.
He was serving as an Airman First Class at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas, while residing in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
