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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Suspect in 2025 killing of SEAG gold medalist arrested in Tarlac

Suspect in 2025 killing of SEAG gold medalist arrested in Tarlac

Published Jul 28, 2026 09:23 pm
THE death of Southeast Asian Games medalist Mervin M. Guarte in 2025 was considered a great loss in the sports community and the province of Oriental Mindoro. (Photo contributed by Marc Ambos of Kabayan Action Group-OrMin)
THE death of Southeast Asian Games medalist Mervin M. Guarte in 2025 was considered a great loss in the sports community and the province of Oriental Mindoro. (Photo contributed by Marc Ambos of Kabayan Action Group-OrMin)
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro – The Police Regional Office-Mimaropa (Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan) announced on Tuesday, July 28, the arrest of the suspect in the killing of Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Mervin M. Guarte who was stabbed to death here on Jan. 7, 2025.
Police Brig. Gen. Christopher R. de la Cruz, PRO-Mimaropa chief, said the 35-year-old suspect was arrested in an operation in Bamban, Tarlac Tuesday by the police and military.
De la Cruz said the suspect was arrested on a warrant for murder issued by Judge Charity Grace Alcantara of the Calapan Regional Trial Court Branch 40 with no bail recommended.
The arresting team led by Regional Intelligence Division 4-B chief Police Col. Gerry M. Laylo nabbed the suspect in his hideout at about 4 p.m. on Tizon St., Barangay Banaba.
De la Cruz said the suspect, of Barangay Camilmil, Calapan City, was the fourth most wanted person on the provincial level.
Guarte, 33, was killed in Barangay Camilmil. He was a resident of Barangay Malinao, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro and a member of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) with the rank of Airman First Class (A1C) and assigned to Fernando Airbase, Lipa City, Batangas.
The victim won gold medals in the men’s five-kilometer event at the Southeast Asian Games in 2019 and men’s team relay at the 2023 SEAG.
Dela Cruz commended operating teams for the successful arrest of the suspect.
“This successful operation demonstrates that no wanted person can remain beyond the reach of the law. Through sustained intelligence gathering and strong partnership among our law enforcement and security agencies, we remain resolute in locating individuals facing criminal charges and we hope this development brings the victim’s family one step closer to justice.”

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Mervin Guarte Calapan City Oriental Mindoro
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