Sympathies pour for 11 people killed in Filipino celebration in Vancouver

Metro Manila, Philippines - Government agencies, lawmakers, and world leaders have mourned the death of 11 people who were killed in a car attack during a Filipino community's heritage celebration in Vancouver, Canada.

Sympathies poured for the Filipino community in Vancouver, which was celebrating the Lapu Lapu festival when 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo rammed a sports utility vehicle through the crowd on Sunday, April 27 (Manila time).

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said they are making sure that Filipinos there are safe with two dozen others injured.

“The Department and the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver stand ready to extend the appropriate assistance to the bereaved families and will cooperate with Canadian authorities to ensure that adequate support will be provided to our Filipino community,” the DFA said.

“We ask for prayers of healing, safety, comfort, solidarity, and justice for those affected by this unspeakable tragedy,” the DMW said.

Lawmakers condemn attack

Lawmakers lamented the attack.

Senators called for justice for the victims.

“There is no place in this world for such horrible acts of violence and I trust that the Canadian law enforcement agencies will leave no stone unturned to ensure that justice is served,” Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said.

“I condemn this act of senseless and cruel violence committed against people who were peacefully celebrating Filipino culture and heritage. My fervent prayers are with the families of those whose loved ones have been killed or injured, and with the entire Filipino Canadian community,” Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros said.

“Filipinos who live and thrive in foreign countries deserve care and protection being members of the communities that have become their homes, too,” Senator Grace Poe said, denouncing the attack.

House members appealed to authorities to provide better security for Filipinos abroad.

“The loss of lives, the pain of those injured, and the shock of the entire Filipino-Canadian community are wounds that reach far beyond borders. Ramdam po namin ang inyong sakit. Sa bawat tahanang Pilipino ngayon, may pakikiramay, may pagdarasal, at may pagdamay,” House Speaker Martin Romualdez said.

[Translation: We feel your agony. Each Filipino household now has condolences, prayers, and sympathies.]

“Ang ganitong trahedya, sa isang pagdiriwang ng ating kultura at bayanihan, ay matinding dagok sa ating mga kababayan na nasa ibang bansa,” OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino said.

[Translation: This kind of tragedy in a celebration of culture and communal cooperation is a hurdle for our fellow Filipinos overseas.]

World leaders condole

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney assured the public that his government is on top of the situation.

“I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver,” Carney said. “The attack at the Lapu Lapu festival has left our country shocked, devastated, and heartbroken.”

World leaders extended their condolences to the fatalities and expressed their solidarity.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to all those whose lives have been shattered by such a desperate tragedy and we send our deepest possible sympathy at a most agonizing time for so many in Canada,” British monarch King Charles said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen guaranteed the continent is one with the people of Canada, particularly the Filipino community, “in these difficult times.”

Describing the incident a “heartbreaking” tragedy, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his countrymen “deeply share the pain of Canadians, Vancouver residents, and the Canadian Filipino community.” He said they also extended their “condolences to the victims’ families, and we wish the injured a speedy recovery.”

“I extend our solidarity to Canadians and the Filipino community,” French President Emmanuel Macron said. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.”

Canadian prosecutors have charged Lo with eight counts of second-degree murder. More cases are expected to be filed, the Vancouver Police said.

Authorities noted they have not found evidence of terrorism. They described the suspect as having had a “significant history” of interactions with authorities involving mental health.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.