John Albert Laylo (Photo from his Facebook account)
MANILA, Philippines — John Albert Laylo, the Filipino lawyer who was killed in an apparent random shooting while visiting the United States, was “a good, smart, generous, loving, caring son,” and a “brilliant man” who was willing to help anyone, members of his family said on social media, including his mother who was with him during the attack early on Saturday.
The 35-year-old lawyer (not 36 as earlier reported) and his mother, Leah Bustamante Laylo, were on their way to Philadelphia International Airport to catch a flight to Chicago before dawn when an unidentified gunman fired at their Uber car several times.
Laylo was hit in the head while his mother had minor injuries from glass shards from the shattered car window.
The two, who traveled to the United States to visit relatives, were rushed to the Penn Presbyterian Medical Center where the lawyer was put on life support but died before noon.
‘Last happy moments’
In a Facebook post, Leah Laylo said: “I thank God for the 35 years of his life” and was “beyond grateful” for having a son like “Jal,” as he was called among family and friends.
Leah Laylo’s post included several photographs of their travel to the United States, which she described as their “last happy moments” together.
She said her son loved to travel and had a lot of plans.
“Before he left, he made sure we had fun! But never did I imagine or dream that it’s almost the end of our vacation [and it will turn out] like this!”
“We traveled together and we [were] supposed to go home together. I will bring him home soon in a box!” Leah said.
“I can’t explain the pain, the heaviness I have in my heart. It took me hours to post this because still I can’t believe this happened!” she added.
Organ donor
Laylo’s sister Althea said on Twitter that doctors broke the news that her brother had less than a 5 percent chance of surviving.
“To all that prayed and kept us close to their hearts, my family is more than grateful. No words can ever justify how appreciative we are for the love that you have extended. Unfortunately, my brother has passed. Once again, I am asking you to keep my family in your prayers,” she said.
Althea described her brother as a “brilliant man, nothing short of exceptional.”
She added: “He will do anything in his power to help. So as one final mission, he will be donating his organs to those who need it. My brother may no longer be with us, but I shall find peace in the thought that somewhere in the world, a piece of him is alive and beating.”
She said she would find solace listening to BTS’ “Life Goes On,” a song her brother used to sing a lot as he counted himself part of the ARMY, the Korean band’s fanbase.
‘Vibrant spirit’
Philippine Consul General in New York Elmer Cato said “we continue to coordinate with authorities and underscore the importance the Philippine government places on the case.”
Laylo’s former boss, Sen. Leila de Lima, described the slain lawyer as a “man of high energy and vibrant spirit” and a “good person and an excellent colleague.”
“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 said in her message to Laylo’s family.
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