MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino on Wednesday said he seeks a speedy investigation on Southeast Asian gold medalist Mervin Guarte's death.
Guarte, only 33 years old, was killed after he was stabbed by an unidentified suspect while sleeping in his friend's house in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro on Tuesday.
The police, as reported earlier today, said that they have a "person of interest" in the incident.
The person of interest, identified by a witness, is a tricycle driver known to Guarte, Police Lt. Col. Roden Fulache, Calapan City police chief said.
“He’s a big loss to Philippine sports, for obstacle sports racing and athletics in particular,” Tolentino said in a statement. “I am hoping that the crime would be solved soon.”
READ: 'Person of interest' in Mervin Guarte slay harbored anger, police say
Tolentino also confirmed that he will reach out to local government officials, Calapan City Mayor Malou Flores-Morillo and Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Hyn Dolor, regarding Guarte's death.
Guarte is a multi-time medalist, winning gold medals in the men's 5km event at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and men's team relay at the 2023 regional biennial sporting meet.
READ: EJ Obiena saddened over death of fellow Filipino athlete
He also snagged two silver medals at the 2011 SEA Games in the men's 800-meter and 1500-meter events in track and field.
The POC prexy also expressed his grief to sports body Philippine Obstacle Sports Federation today, whose president Atty. Al Agra, was appointed as head of the arbitration committee of the POC, also on Tuesday.
The local sports community also expressed its heartfelt condolences, with the athletes taking to social media their memories with Guarte.
READ: PH sports community mourns loss of SEA Games gold medalist Mervin Guarte
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