Vancouver: Concerned Philippine government agencies have pledged support and solidarity with the Filipino community in Vancouver, Canada, where a vehicle plowed into a crowd of attendees at the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party on Saturday night (Sunday, Philippine time), leaving 11 dead and dozens injured.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a statement on Monday, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) expressed profound sorrow and sympathy for the victims. “As we await further details about the incident, we ask for prayers of healing, safety, comfort, solidarity, and justice for those affected by this unspeakable tragedy,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said. “The DMW, as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., stands ready to provide all the necessary assistance and support to the victims of the incident, as we remain committed in ensuring the safety and wellness of our OFWs.”
Cacdac mentioned that the DMW’s Migrant Workers Office in Vancouver is in close coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs through the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver. It is also working with the Canadian authorities to monitor the situation and the well-being of the victims and their families. The DMW also provided contact numbers for immediate assistance and support, including the Assistance-to-Nationals Hotline and the Migrant Workers’ Office Hotline.
In a separate statement, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) also conveyed its condolences to the victims and the Filipino-Canadian community. CFO Secretary Dante Ang II assured that the agency is actively monitoring developments related to the incident. He also called for sobriety while the investigation proceeds and expressed gratitude to Vancouver’s emergency responders and law enforcement. “The CFO stands in solidarity with the Filipino-Canadian community during this tragic and difficult time. I also thank the Vancouver community for its outpouring of solidarity and compassion during this difficult time,” he said.
The CFO noted that Canada is home to the second-largest population of overseas Filipinos, with a strong community of 973,881. According to early reports, the attack occurred around 8 p.m. during the festival, which celebrates Filipino heroism and heritage. While investigations are ongoing, Canadian authorities have clarified that the incident is not considered terrorism-related. Police have arrested a male suspect, 30-year-old Vancouver resident Kai-Ji Adam, at the scene. Media reports said British Columbia prosecutors have charged the suspect with eight counts of second-degree murder.
