B.C. Filipino community devastated by the senseless tragedy after mass-casualty event at Lapu Lapu festival

A tragic event unfolded at the Lapu Lapu Day street festival in Vancouver when a man drove into a crowd, resulting in at least 11 deaths and several injuries. Mable Elmore, an MLA for Vancouver-Kensington, articulated the profound grief felt by the Filipino community, stating they are “collectively shattered. ” FilipinoBC, the event's organizing body, expressed their heartbreak and encouraged community members to support each other during this difficult time. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also shared his condolences, emphasizing unity with the victims' families.

In response to the tragedy, the Vancouver Police Department established a 24-hour assistance center at Douglas Park Community Centre to support those impacted. Victim services are accessible through a dedicated hotline, where individuals can seek help. Community members are encouraged to utilize resources for emotional and psychological support. This incident highlights the need for solidarity and resilience in the face of such a senseless tragedy.