Tragic Death of National Athlete Mervin Guarte in Oriental Mindoro Stabbing

In a shocking incident, Mervin Guarte, a national athlete and Airman First Class, was fatally stabbed in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. The 33-year-old Southeast Asian Games multimedalist was attacked early Tuesday morning while sleeping on a couch at the residence of village Councilor Dante Albo Abel in Sitio Pinagkaisahan, Barangay Camilmil. The assailant used a kitchen knife to stab Guarte in the chest around 4:30 a.m. Despite being rushed to Sta. Maria Village Hospital and later transferred to Mindoro Medical Center, Guarte succumbed to his injuries. Prior to the attack, Guarte had been visiting his uncle and participating in a drinking session with others in the compound. According to Calapan City’s chief of police, Lt. Col. Rodel Fulache, there were no reported altercations during the gathering. Guarte was unable to identify his attacker before passing away. A bladed weapon, believed to be the murder weapon, was found at the scene. Guarte’s notable achievements include two gold medals in obstacle racing at the 2019 Manila and 2023 Cambodia SEA Games, and two silver medals in athletics at the 2011 Indonesia SEA Games. The tragic loss has prompted condolences from fellow athletes Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Felix Marcial, who also demanded justice. Local officials, including Governor Humerlito Dolor and Mayor Malou Flores-Morillo, have condemned the killing and vowed to seek justice for Guarte, celebrating his contributions to the nation and the city.