John Albert Laylo (Photo from his Facebook page)
Updated @ 2:09 a.m., Monday, June 20, 2022
MANILA, Philippines — A visiting 36-year-old Filipino lawyer, John Albert “Jal” Laylo, was shot in the head in Philadelphia and remained in “critical condition” in a life support system — not dead as earlier reported by the Philippine Consulate General in New York.
Elmer Cato, the consul general of the Philippines in New York, followed up his earlier tweet announcing the death with a correction: “We call on kababayan to pray hard with us so that Atty John Laylo, who we have just been informed remains on life support after yesterday’s random shooting incident in Philadelphia, would pull through.”
Cato then traveled to Philadelphia to check on the condition of the lawyer and his mother.
Sir @teddyboylocsin, @PHinNewYork approaching Philadelphia now to check on kababayan victim of random shooting Atty John Laylo and his mother. @DFAPHL @susanople pic.twitter.com/mAxSZPQQ8H
— Elmer G Cato (@elmer_cato) June 19, 2022
Cato arrived at the hospital in Philadelphia at around noon on Sunday, along with leaders of the Filipino community, “to assure the mother that we are there for them.”
In the message to INQUIRER.net, Cato gave some more details of the shooting: “Victim was hit in the head by one of six bullets fired by suspect/suspects and was taken to a local hospital where he was declared in critical condition. The mother sustained minor wounds from shattered glass from the car window. A few minutes ago, we have been informed that the victim has passed away.”
We call on kababayan to pray hard with us so that Atty John Laylo, who we have just been informed remains on life support after yesterday’s random shooting incident in Philadelphia, would pull through. @teddyboylocsin @susanople @PHinNewYork
— Elmer G Cato (@elmer_cato) June 19, 2022
Cato added that the 36-year-old lawyer — who was aboard a vehicle — was shot in the head, and the assailant, or assailants, remained at large.
“Based on information gathered by the Consulate, the victim and his mother, who were visiting relatives in Philadelphia, were on their way to the airport at around 4 a.m. to catch a flight to Chicago when shots were fired at Uber car they were riding in,” Cato said, noting that incoming Secretary of Migrant Workers Susan Ople alerted them of the incident.
Quest for justice
Cato said that they are in coordination with police authorities in Philadelphia who informed them that investigation on the incident is underway and no arrests have been made, so far.
“We call on authorities in Philadelphia to do what is necessary to bring the perpetrator of this crime to justice,” said Cato.
Former member of De Lima’s staff
In a Facebook post, Sen. Leila de Lima called for justice for Laylo, saying that he was a former member of her staff.
“I was informed about the random shooting in Philadelphia where my former staff, Atty. Jal Laylo, was shot in the head and is now in critical condition. His mother was also injured,” De Lima said.
“I ask for prayers for Jal’s healing and recovery. Let us also call for justice for this brutal and senseless act,” she added.
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