The Philippine sports community is grieving the unexpected loss of Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medalist, Mervin Guarte.
The 33-year old Filipino sprinter and obstacle course racer passed away on January 7 after being stabbed while sleeping in his friend's house in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident and hopefully bring justice to the athlete and his family.
Netizens and several athletes extended their condolences and shared tributes online, including world's fourth best pole vaulter EJ Obiena and silver Olympic medalist Nesthy Petecio. Several sports organizations in the Philippines also mourned Mervin's passing and sent help to his family.
Check out the heartfelt messages of Filipino athletes and sports communities in this gallery:
Filipino sprinter and obstacle course racer Mervin Guarte passed away on January 7 in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. Authorities reported he was stabbed to death during a sleepover in his friend's house (who is a kagawad) by an unknown man.
Mervin Guarte was one of the Philippines' top athletes as he won several medals for the Philippines. He won the gold medal in the four-man relay team in obstacle course race at the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia. He also won the gold medal in the 2019 SEA Games for men's 5km race and two silver medals in the 2011 edition of the 800m and 1500m track events.
One of the athletes who extended his condolences was world No. 4 pole vaulter EJ Obiena. On his Instagram, the athlete shared a group picture with Mervin Guarte. The photo shows several athletes including EJ and Marvin holding their medals. He wrote, "I just learned the devastating news of the shocking death of my friend and National Teammate Kuya Mervin Guarte. May his soul rest in peace, and I am sending my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. What a tragedy. Only 33 years old." He added, "This is another poignant reminder to us all, that we must embrace every day as a gift; as tomorrow is never guaranteed. Blessed to have shared the track with you. Rest well my friend."
Silver Olympic medalist Nesthy Petecio sadly wrote, "RIP boss Meg. Nakakabigla, malungkot kami mga national athletes na kasamahan mo sa nangyari.” The boxer was shocked to receive the news of Mervin Guarte's passing as well.
SEA Games champion Kyle Antolin also expressed his grief losing his old friend, Mervin Guarte. "Today, I mourn the loss of a dear friend. Mangyan, Mervin Guarte, ikaw ang isa sa pinaka-totoo at pinakamabuting taong nakilala ko. Tinuruan mo kaming lahat na mamuhay nang puno ng saya at pasasalamat, na parang bawat araw ay huling araw sa mundo. Hindi ko kailanman makakalimutan ang lahat ng aral at inspirasyong iniwan mo sa amin.
Paalam, kaibigan," he said.
Olympian boxer Eumir Marcial promised he'll dedicate his matches to Mervin Guarte. Eumir wrote on social media, "Lahat kame mga kapwa mo sundalo at athlete malungkot sa pagkawala mo Meg. Rest in Peace Bro. Isasama ka namin sa mga laban Meg. Maraming salamat sa pag represent sa bansa natin."
Obstacle champion Mark Julius Rodelas mourned the loss of one of his dearest friends, Mervin Guarte. Mark expressed his grief on social media, earning supportive comments as well from followers.
The Philippine Sports Commision (PSC) announced Mervin Guarte's passing with a heavy heart on its social media pages. The organization described Mervin as "a long-time member of the national team and a multi-medalist from the Southeast Asian Games." They also thanked the athlete's love and service to the country.
Philippine Obstacle Sports Federation (POSF) president Atty. Alberto Agra expressed, "We are still in shock, very sad" about the passing of Filipino sprinter and obstacle course racer Mervin Guarte. The federation also shared a tribute post for the late athlete on social media.
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) also expressed its saddness about the news of Mervin Guarte's unexpected passing. The committee's president, Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino, expressed his condolences to the family and friends of the Filipino athlete. "We mourn the loss of Mervin Guarte, a remarkable national athlete who brought pride to our nation. His dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship will forever be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Mervin" he mentioned.