Olympic hopeful Mervin Guarte stabbed to death in Oriental Mindoro

Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Mervin Guarte, 33, died tragically after being stabbed to death in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro early Tuesday morning.

Guarte was sleeping on a couch at the house of barangay kagawad Dante Albo Abel when an unidentified assailant entered and attacked him with a kitchen knife around 4:30 am. Guarte had been drinking until 3 am before the incident occurred.

Despite his efforts to call for help and being rushed to the hospital, Guarte could not be saved and passed away shortly after. Neighbors helped take him to Sta. Maria Village Hospital where he was later transferred to Mindoro Medical Center.

The Philippine sports community mourned the loss of a multi-medalist who brought honor to the country through achievements in obstacle racing and athletics. The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) expressed deep sorrow over his untimely death on social media.

Friends and fellow national team members, including pole vault star EJ Obiena, shared condolences on social media, highlighting Guarte's contributions as a long-time member of the national team and multi-medalist from the Southeast Asian Games. Olympic boxing medalists Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Felix Marcial also expressed their sorrow over his death.

Local officials of Oriental Mindoro province condemned the killing of Guarte. Governor Humerlito Dolor vowed to bring Guarte's killer to justice, and Calapan City Mayor Malou Flores-Morillo paid tribute to Guarte’s achievements as a national athlete.