Mervin Guarte dies in stabbing incident: SEA Games multi-medalist mourned

The Philippine sports community was plunged into mourning following the news of the violent death of multi-time SEA Games medalist Mervin Guarte on Monday night.

The 32-year-old died in a stabbing incident in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro.

Guarte won two gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games in 2023 and 2019, and won two silver medals in the 2011 SEA Games. He was part of the Philippine Obstacle Course Racing Team and formerly competed for the Philippine Athletics Team. He was 32.

 

Guarte was also enlisted in the Philippine Air Force as an Airman First Class.

 

The violent nature of his death sparked calls of justice from his fellow national team athletes. Some also expressed their mourning on social media.

 

 

“it’s deeply sad and heartbreaking to hear about his unjust passing — too soon, too painful. I pray for his justice in peace. Gone too soon, Mervin.” wrote Olympian runner Mary Joy Tabal.

 

Meanwhile, Guarte’s fellow OCR teammate Elias Tabac called it as the most painful day.

 

 

“Pinakamasakit na araw. Isa kang alamat sa puso ko Mangs. RIP Mangs,” he said.

 

Two-time Olympic medalist Nesthy Petecio also expressed her condolences.

 

“Nakakabigla. Malungkot kami mga national athletes na kasamahan mo sa nangyare,” wrote Petecio.