The Lapu Lapu festival, a celebration of Filipino culture, was tragically marred by a deadly SUV attack, claiming the lives of eleven people. While the community mourns and processes their grief, leaders and attendees emphasize their unity and resilience in the face of such violence.
Vancouver's Filipino Community Grieves After Tragic Festival Attack
Vancouver's Filipino Community Grieves After Tragic Festival Attack
An SUV attack at the Lapu Lapu festival resulted in the tragic deaths of eleven individuals, igniting grief and anger within the Filipino community in Vancouver.
Vancouver's vibrant celebration of Filipino pride, the Lapu Lapu festival, was abruptly transformed into a scene of chaos and grief on Saturday after a man drove an SUV through the gathered crowds. Tragically, eleven individuals, including a five-year-old, lost their lives in this horrific incident, and many others were left injured and traumatized.
R. J. Aquino, chairman of Filipino B.C., the organization behind the festival, expressed the tumult of emotions experienced by attendees during a vigil held on Sunday night that drew hundreds from across the region. "A lot of us are still numb. A lot of us are still angry, confused, sad, devastated," he articulated.
Attendees Roger Peralta and Bjorn Villarreal, who have called Canada home since 2016, recalled the horrific moment when their celebration turned into tragedy. "Suddenly I hear this unimaginable noise," Bjorn detailed, reflecting on how the sound of the SUV intruded on their festive evening. Both witnessed the aftermath of the attack, with people crying out for help amidst the chaos.
Despite the devastation, Roger highlighted a cultural aspect known as "Bayanihan," which embodies the spirit of community and support amongst Filipinos. "We have a strong spirit that I believe will lift our community," he stated, mourning yet hopeful.
British Columbia Premier David Eby also offered his condolences and emphasized the significant impact of the Filipino community throughout the province. He called attention to their essential roles in healthcare, childcare, and other vital services, acknowledging that their contributions touch virtually every British Columbian.
Echoing these sentiments, Bjorn expressed feelings of anger and disappointment regarding the security failures that allowed the SUV to breach the festival. Premier Eby sympathized with this rage but urged for unity, stating, "This event does not define us or the Filipino community."
As flowers and candles were laid at a makeshift memorial by the crime scene, the community collectively mourned, grappling with the loss but also looking towards their cultural resilience amid adversity.
