Police ID tricycle driver as Guarte murder suspect

Police have identified a 31-year-old tricycle driver as the suspect in the fatal stabbing of Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Mervin Guarte in Oriental Mindoro.

Based on evidence gathered, including CCTV footage showing the suspect entering an alley near the house where Guarte was staying and fleeing immediately after the incident, Calapan City Police Chief Lt. Col. Roden Fulache confirmed that a criminal complaint for murder will be filed against the suspect.

The suspect is believed to have harbored personal grievances with Guarte and has since fled the city, prompting local police to intensify their manhunt operation.

Guarte was stabbed in his sleep around 4:30 am on Tuesday while staying at a friend's house in Calapan City and later died despite medical assistance.

The gold medalist, who won multiple SEA Games medals as an Airman First Class of the Philippine Air Force, leaves behind a legacy of athletic achievements including three silvers in track events and two golds in obstacle course racing.