9 DEAD IN CANADA ‘LAPU LAPU’ STREET PARTY; PBBM EXPRESSES GRIEF

NINE were confirmed dead while scores were wounded when a sports utility vehicle (SUV) plowed into a crowd of Filipinos celebrating the Lapu Lapu street festival in Vancouver, Canada.

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said the incident happened shortly after 8pm on Saturday (03:00 GMT Sunday) in the city’s Sunset on Fraser neighbourhood.

The tragedy struck as Filipinos were celebrating the Lapu Lapu Day ‘25 Block Party’.

The crowd immediately held the 30-year-old male driver of the black SUV until the police arrived.

Authorities expressed belief that the incident was not an act of terrorism. Police are looking into mental health issues.

Based on the police report, a man drove into a large crowd of people attending the Lapu Lapu Day Festival near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street.

Organizer Filipino BC said: “We are devastated for the families and victims. We encourage everyone to check in, support and hold each other. Do not hesitate to access resources available. You are not alone,” the group said in a statement on social media.

The organizer said the festival “was meant to celebrate resistance and resilience.”

It said prior to the event, there were reports of racists  verbal attacks targeting Black performers.

The Vancouver police said a 24-hour assistance center has been established at the Douglas Park Community Center on 801 West 22nd Avenue. Officers and victim services professionals have been deployed to help anyone who has not been able to contact a loved one who was at the festival.

“If you are not able to attend in person, please call 604-717-3321,” the VPD said. 

The Philippine Consulate provided the hotlines to Filipino nationals who were affected by the incident: Assistance-to-Nationals Hotline: +1 604 653 5858; Migrant Workers’ Office Hotline: +1 604 767 3354 and Vancouver Police Department Victim Support: +1 800 563 0808.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the deadly incident .

 “I am completely shattered to hear about the terrible incident during a Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, BC, Canada,” Marcos said in a statement.

“On behalf of the Philippine government and the Filipino people, Liza and I would like to express our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and to the strong and thriving Filipino community in Canada,” he added.

The President assured that the Philippine government, through the consulate in Vancouver, is coordinating with Canadian authorities.

“The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver is working with Canadian authorities to ensure that the incident will be thoroughly investigated, and that the victims and their families are supported and consoled,” Marcos said.

“We are one with the families of the victims and the Filipino community in Vancouver during this difficult time,” he added.

An investigation is ongoing.