Manila, Philippines, January 7, 2025: The sports community in the Philippines is in shock and mourning over the tragic end of SEA Games champion Mervin Guarte, aged 32.
ABS-CBN News reports that Guarte, who won several medals for the Philippines, was fatally stabbed in the chest by an unidentified suspect while asleep at a friend's home in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, in the early hours of Tuesday, January 7.
The Airman First Class in the Philippine Air Force was a member of the Philippines obstacle course racing team, winning gold in the men’s team relay at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.
He first represented his country at the SEA Games in 2011 and won two gold medals, four silver and one bronze in obstacle race and middle-distance running at six SEA Games appearances.
“Mourning one of our medalist athletes from track and field and obstacle for his untimely demise,” Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino said.
Philippine Sports Commission Chair Richard Bachmann added: “The Philippine sports community mourns the untimely death of Mervin Guarte, a long-time member of the national team and a multi-medalist from the Southeast Asian Games. Rest in peace. Thank you for your service to the country, Mervin.”
Two-time Olympic Games pole vaulter EJ Obiena commented: “I just learned the devastating news of the shocking death of my friend and national teammate Kuya (older brother) Mervin Guarte.
“May his soul rest in peace, and I am sending my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. What a tragedy.
“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.”