President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed concerned officials to expedite the delivery of assistance to Filipinos affected when a vehicle was intentionally driven through a crowd attending a street party in Vancouver, Canada, resulting in a massive carnage.
Eleven people, aged 5 to 65, were killed, and more than two dozen others injured when the suspect drove his SUV into a crowd of people celebrating the Lapu Lapu Day festival Saturday night (Canada time).
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro yesterday assured that the government is closely coordinating with the Vancouver Police Department following the tragic incident involving Filipino nationals.
“Because they are our fellow Filipinos, the President immediately ordered that all possible help and support be extended, including establishing connections to those affected by the tragedy in Vancouver,” she told reporters during a press briefing.
Mr. Marcos earlier expressed grief over the tragic events that unfolded as Filipinos in Canada celebrated a national hero.
“I am completely shattered to hear about the terrible incident during a Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, BC, Canada,” President Marcos said in a statement.
Vancouver Police have identified the driver as Kai-Ji Adam Lo, who has been charged with eight counts of second degree murder by the BC Prosecution Service even as more charges may be added as the number of fatalities rise.
“Lo, a Vancouver resident, has appeared in court and remains in custody. The charge assessment is ongoing and further charges are anticipated,” police said as they called the incident “the darkest day” in the city’s history.
Lo was arrested at the scene after bystanders and witnesses intervened to detain him.
For her part, Vice President Sara Duterte emphasized that acts of violence have “no place in shared humanity” as she expressed condolences to the families of those killed.
“I offer my condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and injured in the recent incident at the Lapu-Lapu Day Celebration in Vancouver, Canada,” she said in a statement on Monday.
Senate President Francis Escudero also expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims, saying that the pain of the tragedy is felt throughout the Filipino nation.
“When we are linked by blood, not even a vast ocean that separates us now deadens the pain, and that is why the homeland also weeps,” he said.
“We are consoled by the fact that it is in times of darkness that we see the abundant kindness shine through by those who care: the first responders who rushed to aid, a nation expressing solidarity, and a global outpouring of affection,” Escudero added.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Martin Romualdez assured Filipinos in Canada and their families that he and other lawmaker-colleagues are grieving with them over the tragic incident in Vancouver over the weekend.
“Today, our hearts grieve with our Filipino community in Vancouver,” he said in a statement on Monday.
“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,” Romualdez added.
Earlier, the Philippine Embassy in Canada said it is awaiting further information about the incident, and called on the Filipino community to remain strong and resilient, “upholding the spirit of bayanihan during these trying times.”
“Our hearts and prayers go out to all the victims and the Filipino-Canadian community during this difficult time. The Embassy stands ready to assist affected Filipinos and their families,” it added.