By Gabriela Baron
Senator Leila de Lima mourned on Monday, June 20, the passing of Filipino lawyer John Albert “Jal” Laylo who was gunned down Sunday, June 19, in Philadelphia.
Laylo, 35, was shot in the head by an unidentified suspect while riding an Uber car on the way to the airport.
He was immediately rushed to a hospital but died hours after.
De Lima remembered Laylo as “a man of high energy and vibrant spirit.” Laylo was part of the senator’s legislative team for two years before he left her office to pursue his Masters.
“No words can ease the pain that you are feeling right now but I pray that Jal’s beautiful memories will give you comfort in his difficult time,” De Lima said.
“Panalangin ko po ang inyong katatagan at kapanatagan ng isipan,” she added.
For the bereaved family of Atty. John “Jal” Laylo:
My deepest condolences on Jal's untimely passing. He was so young and still full of dreams. He was part of my legislative team for two years before he left to pursue his Masters.
— Leila de Lima (@SenLeiladeLima) June 20, 2022
Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno also condoled with the family of Laylo. Laylo was among Diokno’s law students at De La Salle University.
“Truly saddened to hear the news about the passing of Atty. Jal. My deepest condolences to his famoly and loved ones. I pray that they may find comfort during this time of grief,” Diokno said.
“I also hope that justice will be served to whoever is behind this gruesome killing.”
Truly saddened to hear the news about the passing of Atty. Jal. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. I pray that they may find comfort during this time of grief
I also hope that justice will be served to whoever is behind this gruesome killing
Rest in Peace, Jal
— Chel Diokno (@ChelDiokno) June 20, 2022
Meanwhile, Consul General of the Philippines in New York Elmer Cato assured that the Philadelphia Police will “do everything to bring the perpetrator to justice.” – ag
Let us continue to pray for our kababayan John Laylo and his mother, Leah, who are victims of a random shooting incident in Philadelphia on Saturday. @PHinNewYork calls on @PhillyPolice to do everything to bring perpetrator to justice. @teddyboylocsin @susanople @PhillyCrimeUpd pic.twitter.com/X7arlLTnHC
— Elmer G Cato (@elmer_cato) June 19, 2022
READ MORE: Filipino lawyer dies after fatal gun attack