MANILA, Philippines – Mervin Guarte, a two-time Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medalist and Airman First Class of the Philippine Air Force, tragically died on Monday, January 6, after being stabbed by an unidentified assailant. He was 33 years old.
Reports state that Guarte was attacked while sleeping at the residence of a barangay councilor in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
The suspect allegedly stabbed him in the chest before fleeing to an unknown location.
Despite managing to call for help, Guarte succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to a nearby medical facility.
The Philippine Obstacle Sports Federation expressed its condolences following Guarte’s untimely passing. Federation head Al Agra posted on Facebook:
“Today, the Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation mourns the passing of one of our national athletes, Mervin Guarte. He was an original member of our team since 2018 and brought honor to the country with two SEA Games gold medals in 2019 and 2023. With Mervin, we won as one. He is family.”
Guarte, assigned to the San Fernando Airbase in Lipa City, Batangas, was a celebrated athlete who brought pride to the Philippines in the international sports arena.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing.