Authorities have identified a childhood friend as a person of interest in the fatal stabbing of two-time SEA Games gold medalist Mervin Guarte in Oriental Mindoro.
Authorities have identified a person of interest in the fatal stabbing of two-time SEA Games gold medalist Mervin Guarte in Oriental Mindoro.
A man was caught in a CCTV footage entering an alley near the area where Guarte slept in Sitio Pinagkaisahan early Sunday morning. Minutes later, the man was seen casually walking away, according to a News5 report.
Police said the man was said to be Guarte's childhood friend, based on witness accounts. He reportedly harbored a personal grudge.
[ALSO READ: Mervin Guarte dies in stabbing incident: SEA Games multi-medalist mourned]
According to Calapan City Police Chief P/Lt. Col. Roden Fulache, the man in the CCTV is currently at large despite extensive search efforts.
Guarte had been staying at a friend’s house following a night of drinking when he was stabbed. Although he was rushed to the hospital and provided a statement to investigators, the athlete eventually succumbed to his injuries.
The weapon used in the crime—a knife—was recovered at the scene.
[ALSO READ: Mervin Guarte: Bemedalled national team athlete, Spartan champion]
Guarte’s sister, Marina Guarte-Navarro, expressed the family’s deep sorrow.
“Ang hirap tanggapin, marami pa siyang pangarap sa kanyang buhay, yung mga anak niya maliit pa,” Guarte-Navarro told News5.
Guarte’s death has sent shockwaves through the sports community. Known for his resilience and dedication, he won two silver medals in track and field at the 2011 SEA Games before transitioning to obstacle course racing, where he claimed two gold medals in the men’s 5-kilometer event and the men’s relay event in 2023.
The Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation plans to visit Guarte’s family to extend condolences, honoring him as a role model and a pillar of the national team.
[ALSO READ: EJ Obiena mourns ‘friend’, national team teammate Mervin Guarte]
(With reports from Ian Suyu/News5)