Southeast Asian Games multi-medalist and Philippine Air Force airman Mervin Guarte was killed in a stabbing incident on Tuesday in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. He was 32.
According to the Philippine National Police (PNP) MIMAROPA, Guarte was allegedly attacked while sleeping in the house of a barangay official. An unidentified suspect entered the residence, stabbed Guarte in the chest, and fled the scene.
Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor condemned the killing and pledged swift justice.
“Patuloy ang pakikipag-ugnayan natin sa Philippine National Police (PNP) para mahanap ang tao sa likod ng pagkakapaslang kay Mervin Guarte,” Dolor wrote on Facebook. “Binigyan natin ng direktiba ang PPO-OrMin sa pangunguna ni PCOL Edison Revita upang agarang makamit ang hustisya.”
Authorities have launched an investigation to identify and apprehend the suspect.
Guarte, a member of the Philippine Air Force assigned to Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas, had an illustrious athletic career spanning more than a decade.
He first gained prominence in the 2011 Jakarta Southeast Asian Games, winning silver medals in the 800-meter and 1,500-meter track events.
Guarte later transitioned to obstacle course racing, earning gold in the men’s 5-kilometer race at the 2019 Manila SEA Games and in the men’s relay event at the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games.
His death has drawn an outpouring of grief from the national sports community. Fellow athletes, including SEA Games champions and Olympians, paid tribute to Guarte’s legacy.
“I just learned the devastating news of the shocking death of my friend and national teammate,” said pole vaulter EJ Obiena. “May his soul rest in peace, and I am sending my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. What a tragedy. Only 32 years old. This is another poignant reminder to us all, that we must embrace every day as a gift; as tomorrow is never guaranteed.”
“Blessed to have shared the track with you. Rest well, my friend,” Obiena added.
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Obstacle Sports Federation (POSF) also expressed their condolences.
“Rest in peace! Thank you for your service to the country, Mervin!” the PSC wrote in a statement.
“You will be greatly missed!” the POSF added.
Marathoner and Olympian Mary Joy Tabal, a SEA Games gold medalist, also shared her memories of Guarte.
“Met Mervin Guarte during my early years in my running career, and he became a friend with an honest heart,” Tabal said.
Guarte’s tragic death leaves a void in both Philippine athletics and the Air Force, where he served as Airman First Class. Investigations into his killing are ongoing as the nation mourns the loss of a celebrated athlete and dedicated serviceman.
