THE police yesterday said it already has a person of interest (POI) in the killing of two-time Southeast Asian Games obstacle sport gold medalist and former national track standout Mervin Guarte in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro early morning Tuesday.
Calapan City police chief Lt. Col. Roden Fulache said policemen went to the residence of the possible assailant and other places where he may have gone but failed to get him.
“We’re continuing with the conduct of the investigation. We’re (still) trying to locate our POI,” he said even as he declined to name the individual.
He said, though, that the victim and the POI could have known each other, noting that Guarte grew up in the barangay and that the latter is “from the area,” referring to Sitio Pinagkaisahan, Barangay Camilmil in Calapan.
Guarte was stabbed with a kitchen knife by a still unidentified assailant while sleeping on the sofa at the residence of barangay councilor Dante Albo Abel after a drinking session.
He was brought to the Sta. Maria Village Hospital and later transferred to the Mindoro Medical Center where he died.
“We already have a person of interest and based on our investigation, he was not among those involved in the drinking session. We are still conducting investigation as to the motive,” said Fulache.
He said Guarte has no known enemy in the area based on the initial investigation of the police.
Fulache said the POI was “no longer in his residence, which is near the crime scene” when the police arrived.
“We also went to other areas where he may have gone (but) he was not also in these areas. Our manhunt operation is continuing,” he said.
He said the PNP will file criminal charges against the POI once it is established that he was behind the killing of the SEA Games gold medalist.
Air Force spokesperson Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo said the PAF “deeply mourns” the passing of Guarte, whom she described as an “accomplished soldier athlete.”
Guarte is a member of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) with a rank of Airman First Class. He was last assigned at the Fernando Air Base in Lipa City in Batangas. He joined the PAF in 2015.
Castillo said Guarte, a resident of Bongabong in Oriental Mindoro, was on a post-yuletide break when he was attacked.
“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,” she said.
“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 is fully cooperating with the Calapan City Police in their ongoing investigation into this unfortunate incident,” she added.
Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano condemned the “senseless” killing of Guarte and called for a swift and thorough investigation into the incident.
“This senseless act of violence has taken away a talented athlete and a dedicated serviceman who still has so much to offer to his family and our community,” Cayetano said in a statement.
“To our law enforcement agencies, we urge a swift and thorough investigation to ensure that the perpetrator is held accountable. Violence has no place in our society, and it is our collective responsibility to work toward a safer nation for all,” he added.
He also said: “I join his loved ones, the sports community, and the men and women of the Philippine Air Force in mourning this heartbreaking loss. Let us honor Mervin’s memory not only by celebrating his achievements but also by seeking justice for this heinous crime.” – With Raymond Africa
