THE fatal shooting of a visiting Filipino lawyer in Philadelphia last weekend could be a case of mistaken identity, the country’s consul general to New York said yesterday.
Consul General Elmer Cato said this information came from police sources although Philadelphia authorities are still continuing their investigation on the incident that led to the death of John Albert “Jal” Laylo.
“The fatal shooting of Filipino lawyer John Albert Laylo could be a case of mistaken identity, according to police sources who say the gunman appeared to have fired at the wrong vehicle that was similar to what he was chasing,” Cato said.
Philadelphia police said Laylo and his mother, Leah, were on their way to the Philadelphia International Airport to catch a flight to Chicago when someone in a black car fired several rounds into their Uber car at a red light.
Cato said Laylo was hit in the head and passed away Monday morning while his mother was slightly injured by glass fragments.
The envoy said he has requested a meeting with Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and City Police Commissioner Daniella Outlaw to get a progress report on the investigation and to press for the identification and arrest of the gunman.
Cato said he assured Laylo’s mother not only of the consulate’s help in repatriating her son’s remains to Manila but also justice for him.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, in a tweet, directed Cato to coordinate with Philadelphia authorities to bring justice to the Laylo family.
“Elmer, keep a discreet but unrelenting focus,” Locsin said.
In a series of tweets, Kenney said he was appalled by the “heinous and senseless” incident even as he called on anyone with information on the shooting incident to call the police.
“I’m appalled to learn of this heinous and senseless crime that has completely devastated an entire family. Mr. Laylo’s loved ones are in my prayers,” Kenney said.
“This is another example of the tragic impact of the prevalence of guns in our city, whether it’s a visitor or a native Philadelphian affected, there are too many guns on our streets, with devastating consequences,” he added.
“If anyone has any information about this incident — or any other crime — please call or text @PhillyPolice’s tip line at 215-686-TIPS. Tips can also be made anonymously,” the mayor said.
