MANILA, Philippines — Authorities in Philadelphia are offering a $20,000-reward for anyone who have leads to the shooter who killed Filipino lawyer John Albert Laylo, fondly called “Jal,” last weekend.
In an online message to Philstar.com, Philippine Consul General in New York Elmer Cato said they were with Philippine Police Attachè Brig. Gen. Wilson Joseph Lopez from the Washington embassy when they met with Philadelphia City Mayor James Kenney and local police officials on Tuesday noon to discuss the ongoing investigation.
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“The Consulate was told a $20,000 reward is being offered for information that would lead to the arrest of the shooter,” Cato said.
We thank @PhillyMayor Jim Kenney and @PhillyPolice for their assurance that they will do everything they can to bring to justice whoever is responsible for the death of our kababayan John Albert Laylo. @teddyboylocsin @theilaylo @susanople @PHinNewYork @DFAPHL @slyarriola pic.twitter.com/2vGJRbxJ6T
— Elmer G Cato (@elmer_cato) June 21, 2022
The 35-year-old Filipino lawyer, who was on vacation in the US with his mother Leah Laylo, was hit in the head by one of the six bullets fired by the unknown suspect. He passed away on Sunday at 10:33 p.m., Philippine time.
This happened while they were on an Uber ride to catch a flight at the airport around 4 a.m. His mother sustained injuries from glass fragments.
The consulate conveyed Mrs. Laylo’s demand for justice for her son, along with the Philippine government’s request “to do everything they can to bring whoever is responsible to justice.”
“Mayor Kenney expressed his condolences to the Laylo family and apologized for what he described as a terrible tragedy. He also gave his assurance that justice will be served,” Cato said.
Mistaken identity
Based on the initial assessment of surveillance videos, Philadelphia police believe that the incident was “most likely a case of mistaken identity.”
“They believe the suspect was targeting a vehicle similar to what the Laylos were riding in but shot at theirs instead,” Cato said.
Following the consulate’s meeting with Philadelphia authorities, Cato added they met with Leah Laylo to update her on the ongoing investigation. They also discussed repatriation arrangements for her son’s remains, which is scheduled for next Tuesday.
Over on Twitter, Althea Laylo shared they launched a donation drive to support funeral and related expenses for her brother.