Fiscal orders release of suspect in air hose assault

MANILA, Philippines -  The inquest prosecutor handling the case of the gasoline station attendant, who was arrested for allegedly killing a four-year-old boy by forcing an air compressor hose into the victim’s anus, has ordered the release of the suspect pending further investigation.

Assistant Quezon City Prosecutor Edwin Valdez said the case of Jeffry Namoco needs to undergo preliminary investigation for probable cause as there was insufficient evidence to recommend the filing of homicide charges.

“The lone witness to the case was not present to affirm his statement pointing to respondent as the probable author of the crime,” said Valdez, referring to the victim’s brother, who witnessed the incident.

“There is also no autopsy report showing the cause of death of the victim,” the prosecutor added.

Valdez said that a full investigation is needed and ordered the police to conduct an autopsy on the body of the victim.

Police arrested Namoco for allegedly forcing an air compressor hose into Jevy Millamina’s anus last Thursday, filling the victim’s stomach with pressurized air. The boy died at past midnight on Friday.

Based on the sworn statement of Millamina’s older brother Resty, he saw the suspect pumping air on his brother’s face and body at around 1:30 p.m. last Thursday at a gasoline station in Barangay Maharlika, Quezon City.

Moments later, he said that Namoco stood and immediately left his brother, who had lost consciousness.

Resty noted that the body of his brother became bloated after the incident.

The victim was rushed to the nearby Sta. Teresita Hospital, where he died hours later during treatment.