Fatal punch: Palauan convicted in Filipino worker’s death in Saipan

A jury convicted a Palauan national on October 22 of involuntary manslaughter, assault and battery, and obstruction of justice in connection with the death of Filipino worker Alvin Rebamba.

Jeremy Guillermin was acquitted of the more serious charges of voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault and battery following a four-day trial in Superior Court, according to Marianas Press.

Rebamba, 30, died after a confrontation outside Relox Bar in Garapan on November 16, 2025. Prosecutors said Guillermin punched him, causing him to fall backward and strike his head on concrete. He never regained consciousness and died four days later.

The trial featured conflicting accounts of how the confrontation unfolded.

Defense attorney Brien Sers Nicholas claimed Rebamba followed Guillermin outside, confronted and pushed him, prompting his client to act in self-defense.

Chief Prosecutor Chester Hinds disputed that account, saying surveillance footage showed Rebamba was not aggressive and had sought assistance from a passing police officer before the punch.

Footage presented during the trial showed the men speaking inside the bar before the confrontation outside. The published trial report did not establish what their initial conversation was about.

Presiding Judge Joseph N. Camacho denied a defense motion to set aside the verdict and ordered Guillermin detained pending sentencing on January 13, 2027. His lawyer indicated plans to appeal.

Rebamba’s older sister, Arvie, previously said the family’s priority was justice rather than financial compensation. She described her brother as friendly and someone who enjoyed spending time with friends.