Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expressed deep sadness over the untimely death of obstacle course racing (OCR) champion Mervin Guarte, urging authorities to expedite the investigation into the crime.
“He’s a big loss to Philippine sports, particularly to obstacle course racing and athletics,” Tolentino said on Wednesday. “I am hoping that the crime will be solved soon.”
Tolentino shared that he plans to coordinate with Calapan City Mayor Malou Flores-Morillo and Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor regarding the tragic incident.
Guarte, a member of the gold medal-winning men’s relay team in OCR at the Cambodia 2023 Southeast Asian Games, was fatally stabbed while sleeping at a friend’s house in Calapan City early Tuesday morning.
The 33-year-old athlete also achieved notable success as a track athlete, earning silver medals in the 1,500m and 800m events at the 2011 SEA Games in Indonesia.
He was an Airman First Class in the Philippine Air Force and a prominent figure in the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association, where he began his career as a national athlete.
“Mervin’s passing is a tremendous loss to Philippine sports,” Tolentino said, conveying his condolences to the Philippine Obstacle Sports Federation (POSF).
He also noted the coincidental timing of the tragedy with the appointment of POSF president Atty. Al Agra as head of the POC’s arbitration committee on the same day.
As the sports community grieves the loss of one of its finest athletes, Tolentino emphasized the importance of resolving the case promptly to bring justice to Guarte and his family.
