MANILA, Philippines — The Filipino lawyer who was fatally shot in Philadelphia was a former legislative staff member of Senator Leila de Lima, who remembered him as a “a man of high energy and vibrant spirit” as she mourned his death.
In a statement on Monday, De Lima condoled with the family of lawyer John Albert “Jal” Laylo, who died hours after he was shot in the head while he was with his mother in Philadelphia to visit relatives in the United States. He was 35.
READ: Filipino lawyer dies hours after random shooting in Philadelphia
De Lima, who worked with Laylo as part of her legislative team, extended her “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,” the senator said.
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 (@AttyLeiladeLima) June 20, 2022
She described Laylo as a “man of high energy and vibrant spirit.”
“Isang mabuting tao at mahusay na katrabaho [He was a good person and he was great to work with],” she added.
“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 this difficult time,” De Lima further said.
Human rights lawyer Diokno also expressed condolences to Laylo’s family.
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 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
“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,” he said in a tweet.
“I also hope that justice will be served to whoever is behind this gruesome killing Rest in Peace, Jal,” he added.
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