Vancouver: The United Arab Emirates has condemned the car-ramming attack that took place during a festival for the Filipino community in Vancouver, Canada, leaving 11 people dead and dozens injured Sunday (Philippine time). In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed that the UAE expressed its strong condemnation of these criminal acts and its permanent rejection of all forms of violence targeting innocent people and aimed at undermining security and stability.

According to Philippines News Agency, the ministry expressed its solidarity with the government and people of Canada and the government and people of the Philippines over this deplorable attack, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured. Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the deadly incident at the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party. President Marcos assured that the Philippine government, through the consulate in Vancouver, is coordinating with Canadian authorities.

Marcos directed the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and other concerned agencies to stand ‘ready to provide all the necessary assistance and support to the victims.’ DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said 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.

At approximately 8:14 p.m. on April 26, a man drove into a large crowd of people attending the Lapu Lapu Day Festival near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street, according to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). The investigation is being led by the VPD’s Major Crime Section. The 30-year-old male driver is already under police custody.