Overview:
Angaur Governor Natus Misech says his life and the safety of state employees are at risk after the suspect in his alleged November assault was questioned and released by police. Misech criticized law enforcement for mishandling the case and warned of ongoing threats to himself, his family, and Angaur State.
By (L.N. Reklai)
KOROR, Palau — “They are not doing their job of providing public safety. I am so disappointed in this process, and my life is under threat,” Angaur Governor Natus Misech said, condemning what he describes as the police’s mishandling of the investigation into an alleged assault against him last month.
Misech, who reported being attacked on November 22 after hosting a Thanksgiving gathering with the Angaur community, said the incident has left him, his family and the State of Angaur under continuing threat and without adequate protection.
“I am head of state and I have been assaulted and my life is under threat,” he said, calling out law enforcement and expressing frustration over the suspect’s release.
According to Misech, the alleged assailant, Jay Selloil Alfred — a close relative and former state employee — tackled him from behind, struck him in the face and squeezed his jaw. Misech said others who were nearby, also relatives of Alfred, intervened and pulled the suspect away.
Misech reported the incident to police in Koror the following day and was later informed that officers had located Alfred in Angaur, transported him to Koror, took his statement and then released him. He said police told him the case was treated as a misdemeanor.
“He, Jay Selloil Alfred, is at large in Koror,” Misech said. “Police went to Angaur and brought him here and took his statement and released him. When I asked the police why he was released, they said because it was a misdemeanor. I was physically assaulted and there were witnesses that attested to that.”
The governor said the decision to release Alfred has had sweeping consequences for the state government.
“Angaur State government is affected by this,” Misech said. “I could not go to Angaur for a week due to the threat, and the employees of Angaur State are also under threat. Not only Angaur State is affected, but I fear for my family’s safety as well.”
Misech said Alfred previously served as the boat driver for the state vessel Regina. When the boat became inoperable, Alfred was reassigned to Public Works. Misech said Alfred stopped reporting for duty and was placed on leave without pay before ultimately submitting a written resignation, prompting his termination.
“This is in line with my goal of reforming Angaur State government,” Misech said. He added that findings from ongoing reforms have been referred to the Special Prosecutor and have drawn opposition from some former Angaur leaders and legislators “looking for ways to remove me because of these findings.”
There are currently no national police officers assigned to Angaur, only to nearby Peleliu State.
Misech said he continues to follow up with law enforcement and remains concerned for public safety, urging action on the case as he works remotely from Koror until he feels safe to return.
Authorities have yet to respond to Governor Misech statements.