National athlete and multi-medalist Mervin Guarte was fatally stabbed in his sleep during an incident early Tuesday morning, January 7, in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
Police reports indicated that an unidentified assailant stabbed Guarte in the chest around 4:30 am while sleeping at a barangay official house.
Law enforcement officials are currently investigating the incident in an effort to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.
In a report by RH Edniel Parrosa, it was mentioned that the police have identified a person of interest in the killing of athlete and Airman First Class Guarte.
It was reported that Guarte attended a drinking session on Monday night, but he did not mention having any altercation or conflict with anyone.
After being stabbed in the morning, Guarte managed to call for help but could not identify his attacker. He was taken to the hospital but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Furthermore, a kitchen knife, suspected to have been the weapon used in the crime, was recovered from the crime scene.
Moreover, Oriental Mindoro Gov. Humerlito "Bonz" Dolor condemned the killing of the athlete and called for justice, while directing the provincial police director to investigate and resolve the case.
"Kinokondena ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ang sinapit ni Mervin Guarte. Hindi matitinag ang aming panawagan para sa katarungan, at patuloy naming hinahangad na mapanagot ang mga responsable sa krimeng ito," Dolor said in a Facebook post.
"Maraming maraming salamat sa karangalan at pagmamahal mo sa Bayan.
Saludo kami sa iyo," he added.
Calapan City Mayor Malou Flores-Morillo echoed the same sentiment, stating that the unjust killing of Guarte will not be ignored by the city, and they stand with his family in seeking justice.
"Ang kanyang mga alaala at kontribusyon sa bayan ay patuloy na magiging bahagi ng ating kasaysayan at patnubay sa mga susunod na henerasyon," said Morillo.
Fellow national athletes mourned the loss of the veteran athlete, extending their condolences to his grieving family and friends.
Guarte’s fellow Obstacle Course Racing teammate, Elias Tabac, expressed his grief on social media, saying that this was the most painful day for him.
Olympian and Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena also extended his condolences to the family and loved ones of his friend and national teammate.
"This is another poignant reminder to us all, that we must embrace every day as a gift; as tomorrow is never guaranteed," said Obiena.
"Blessed to have shared the track with you. Rest well my friend," he added.
The Philippine Sports Commission and the Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation also expressed their sorrow over the untimely death of the Filipino athlete.
Guarte, a champion both on the track and in obstacle course events, was widely recognized for his athletic achievements.
He clinched two silver medals at the 2011 Jakarta Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, securing second place in both the 800m and 1500m events.
His remarkable career includes a historic win, where he bagged the gold medal in the men’s 5-kilometer race at the 2019 Manila SEA Games and helped the men’s relay team clinch gold at the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games.
In his most recent feat, Guarte secured the 2024 Spartan Asia Pacific Men’s Beast 21-kilometer title.
