Southeast Asian Games multi-medalist and Philippine team veteran Mervin Guarte was tragically killed early Monday morning. According to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Office MIMAROPA, Guarte, 33, was stabbed in the chest by an unidentified suspect while sleeping in the living room of a barangay councilor’s house.
The incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. The assailant, armed with a bladed weapon, quickly fled the scene in an unknown direction. Authorities are conducting an investigation to apprehend the suspect.
Guarte was a decorated athlete who began representing the Philippines in athletics during the 2011 Jakarta SEA Games, where he won silver medals in the men’s 800m and 1500m events. In 2019, he transitioned to obstacle course racing (OCR) and achieved his first SEA Games gold medal in the men's 5km race during the Manila-hosted edition of the biennial games. He also led the OCR men’s relay team to another gold medal at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.
Outside sports, Guarte served as an Airman First Class in the Philippine Air Force, reflecting his dedication to both his country and his athletic pursuits.
