Rebamba family seeks justice, not money, in Guillermin trial

The family of Filipino worker Alvin Rebamba, who died following an altercation outside a Garapan bar last year, is seeking justice rather than monetary compensation, his older sister said as the jury trial of Jeremy Guillermin continued last Oct. 20 in Superior Court.

Arvie Rebamba, speaking to reporters outside the courtroom last Oct. 20, said the family remains devastated by Alvin's death and hopes the trial will bring them closure.

“The damages, we're not thinking about that. We just want to give justice for what happened to my brother because that's the only thing that we need right now so we can have peace of mind,” she said.

Asked about an apology letter Guillermin reportedly wrote to the family shortly after the incident, Rebamba said forgiveness remains possible despite their grief.

“So now, I don't know if we can accept his sorry because we didn't get the justice yet, but who are we to not accept his apology?” she said.

Guillermin, a Palauan national who was on Saipan for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting training, is standing trial in connection with Rebamba's death following an altercation outside Relox Bar in November 2025.

Rebamba testified before Presiding Judge Joseph N. Camacho about her brother's final days at the Commonwealth Health Center.

She told the jury she rushed to the hospital after learning that Alvin had been taken there by ambulance. She found him unconscious, unresponsive, and unable to open his eyes.

Rebamba said doctors later informed the family that her brother had suffered severe brain damage and was being kept alive by a ventilator.

She recounted the family's difficult decision to withdraw life support after doctors explained his condition. Alvin was subsequently pronounced dead.

Rebamba also described her brother as friendly and someone who enjoyed spending time with friends but was not known to start fights.

Following her emotional testimony, defense attorney Brien Sers Nicholas briefly addressed the witness.

“Good afternoon. I have no questions,” he said.

Earlier, emergency room physician Dr. Gregory DiCamillo testified that Rebamba was largely unresponsive when brought to the Commonwealth Health Center following the incident.

DiCamillo said Rebamba was breathing with an unusually loud snoring sound, smelled of alcohol, and initially showed few visible signs of head trauma.

However, his examination revealed a dilated pupil that did not respond to light, while Rebamba's heart rate subsequently dropped sharply. DiCamillo said these were warning signs of a potentially catastrophic brain injury.

A CT scan later revealed extensive bleeding inside Rebamba's skull, prompting the doctor to contact a surgeon for emergency intervention.

DiCamillo testified that Rebamba underwent surgery to relieve pressure caused by the bleeding but did not recover. His testimony also addressed the eventual withdrawal of life support.

Sers Nicholas questioned the physician about Rebamba's blood alcohol level and his medical condition upon arrival at the hospital.

Before DiCamillo's testimony, Camacho granted a defense motion to exclude photographs showing Rebamba during his hospitalization.

Chief Prosecutor Chester Hinds argued that the photographs were relevant to showing the medical procedures Rebamba underwent and the extent of his injuries.

Defense attorney Brien Sers Nicholas countered that the photographs could unfairly prejudice the jury and that medical records and physician testimony were sufficient to establish the injuries and treatment.

Camacho sided with the defense, barring the photographs from being shown to the jury at that stage. However, he left open the possibility of admitting individual photographs after reviewing their relevance and potential prejudicial effect on a case-by-case basis.

The court also heard testimony from Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services firefighter Johmar Untalan, who was questioned about how Rebamba was transferred onto a stretcher and transported to the hospital.

Commonwealth Health Center medical records assistant manager Yvonne Sablan authenticated Rebamba's hospital records. Sers Nicholas did not cross-examine her.

The morning proceedings also included testimony from Detective Myron Laniyo and responding police officer Koji Taisacan.

Outside the courtroom, Rebamba said her brother left behind a daughter, now 4, and a partner living in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. The family has been helping support the child following the loss of her father.

“It's so hard, but we're helping them because we don't have a choice. We need to provide for my niece,” she said.

Rebamba said the family continues to struggle with the loss, particularly when Alvin's daughter asks about her father.

“He's at peace with God, but it's hard to explain every time,” she said.