The Philippine Air Force (PAF) deeply mourns the passing of Airman First Class (A1C) Mervin Guarte, an accomplished soldier athlete, who lost his life in a stabbing incident in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro on January 7, 2025.
According to initial reports from the Calapan City Police Station (CPS), the A1C Guarte was attacked while spending his post-yuletide break in the said city.
A proud resident of Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, A1C Guarte joined the Philippine Air Force through Direct Enlistment in 2015. His discipline, dedication, and commitment to excellence made him an exemplary serviceman and an accomplished athlete, bringing honor and pride to the country and the PAF in numerous international and national competitions to include:
– Champion, Spartan Race Beast 21KM – SPARTAN ASIA PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIP (2024)
– Southeast Asian (SEA) Games Champion – Holder of a new SEA Games record and current world record (2023)
– Gold Medalist, SEA Games 2019 – Obstacle Course Relay
– Champion, Spartan Trail Championship – 12KM
– Champion, Spartan Race 2022 – 10KM with 30 obstacles
– Champion, Obstacle Course Relay World Championship – 12KM
– Gold Medalist, 2018 Taiwan Open – 1500M
– Champion, Spartan Race Series – 5KM with 20 obstacles
The Philippine Air Force condoles with A1C Guarte’s family and assures full support and assistance as they cope with this untimely loss. Further, the PAF has offered any possible assistance to police authorities to help in the fast resolution of the case and ensure that justice is served.
