Athletes, officials mourn passing of SEAG champ Guarte
THE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) join the whole nation in mourning the untimely death of Southeast Asian Games multi-medalist Mervin Guarte.
The 33-yer-old Filipino champion passed away last Tuesday after succumbing from stab wounds from a still unidentified assailant in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro.
According to a police report, Guarte was reportedly sleeping in the house of barangay councilor Dante Albo Abel when the assailant entered the house and stabbed him on the chest at around 4:30 a.m.
“Mourning for one of our medalist athletes from Patafa (Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association) to obstacle course racing for his untimely demise,” said POC President Bambol Tolentino in a statement.
“The Philippine sports community mourns the untimely death of Mervin Guarte, a long-time member of the national team and a multi-medalist from the Southeast Asian Games. Rest in peace! Thank you for your service to the country,” the PSC posted on its social media page.
Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation president Alberto Agra also mourn the passing of Guarte.
“Today, Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation mourns the passing of 1 of its National Athletes, Mervin Guarte. He was our OG having been part of our Team since 2018. He gave the country 2 gold SEAG medals in 2019 and 2023. With Mervin, we won as one. He is family,”said Agra in his Facebook post.
“Aside from loving obstacle sports and running, he loved his family and he loved his community. It was with and through him that we helped in the renovation of the St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.”
Former PSC Commissioner Ramon Fernandez also expressed sorrow and deep sense of loss.
“It is with deep sorrow and respect that I pay tribute to Mervin Guarte, a true Filipino champion. His career spanned over a decade, highlighted by silver medals in the 800m and 1500m at the 2011 SEA Games, a gold in obstacle course racing at the 2019 SEA Games and a victorious performance in the 2024 Spartan Asia Pacific Men’s Beast. Mervin was also part of the gold-winning Philippine relay team at the 2023 SEA Games, further solidifying his legacy as a versatile and exceptional athlete. Mervin’s dedication to his sport and service as a member of the Philippine Air Force brought pride to our nation,” wrote Fernandez.
Fellow athlete and friend Mary Joy Tabal is praying for justice and peace.
“It’s deeply sad and heartbreaking to hear about his unjust passing–too soon, too painful. I pray for his justice and peace.Gone too soon, Mervin.”
“Thank you for serving the country and bringing home medals. You will always be remembered.”
Other top athletes, like Paris Olympics silver medalist Nesthy Petecio, Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Marcia and pole vault champion EJ Obiena also expressed their condolences to Guarte.
