Police have identified a person of interest in the killing of Southeast Asian Games gold medallist Mervin Guarte, as new details emerge about Mindoro’s hometown hero’s final hours.

CCTV footage shows a tricycle driver, known to the victim, walking through an alley towards the house where Guarte was sleeping shortly before the fatal attack, Calapan City Police confirmed on Wednesday.

“Based on our follow-up investigation and CCTV review, we have identified a person of interest,” Police Lieutenant Colonel Roden Fulache, Calapan City Police chief, told reporters. “We believe the suspect may have been harboring long-standing resentment against the victim.”

The 33-year-old athlete was stabbed around 4:30 am on Tuesday while sleeping in the living room of Barangay Councilor Dante A. Abel’s house in Sitio Pinagkaisahan, Calapan City.

Police recovered a handleless bladed weapon at the crime scene an hour after the incident.

Despite sustaining chest wounds, Guarte managed to seek help from neighbors and was rushed to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF), where Guarte served as an Airman First Class, expressed their grief at losing both a serviceman and accomplished athlete.

“His discipline, dedication, and commitment to excellence made him an exemplary serviceman,” said PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo. The Air Force has pledged full support to Guarte’s family and the ongoing investigation.

The Philippine Air Force, where Guarte served as Airman First Class, led the tributes to their fallen comrade. “The entire Air Force grieves the loss of not just an exemplary serviceman, but a true patriot who brought honor to our institution,” PAF said in a statement.

At Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, where Guarte was stationed, fellow airmen have set up a memorial wall featuring his military and sporting achievements.

The PAF has promised full support to his family while assisting with the investigation.

The Philippine Sports Commission expressed profound shock at losing one of the country’s most versatile athletes.

“From track and field to obstacle course racing, Mervin showed the world the indomitable Filipino spirit,” their statement read.

The Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation, where Guarte recently claimed the 2024 Spartan Asia Pacific Championship, described him as “irreplaceable.” Members have organized a torch run in Calapan City demanding justice.

A rare show of unity emerged among Mindoro politicians, with representatives across party lines calling for swift justice.

Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor led provincial officials in condemning the “senseless killing of a hometown hero.”

“Every medal he won wasn’t just for personal glory – it was for Mindoro, for the Air Force, for the Philippines,” said Oriental Mindoro 2nd District Representative Alfonso V. Umali Jr. in an emotional tribute.

Representative Arnan C. Panaligan recalled honoring Guarte during his term as Calapan City Mayor: “He was the pride of our city, an inspiration to our youth.”

“He would often visit schools here to inspire children to pursue sports,” said Calapan City Mayor Malou Flores-Morillo. “His death leaves a void in our community.”

ATHLETIC LEGACY

Guarte’s remarkable career included:

• 2024 Spartan Asia Pacific Championship
• 2023 SEA Games gold medal and world record
• 2019 SEA Games gold in Obstacle Course Racing
• Multiple national records in athletics
• Champion, Spartan Race Series and Trail Championships

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

As the manhunt intensifies, the Philippine Air Force has pledged its resources to support Mindoro’s law enforcement forces in bringing the perpetrator to justice.

“Mervin represented the best of us – as a soldier, athlete, and Filipino,” said Col. Castillo. “We will not rest until justice is served.”

Photo: Courtesy of the Philippine Air Force