A victim lies near a food truck after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver on Saturday April 26, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Rich Lam)
SENATORS EXPRESSED grief and outrage on Monday over the deadly car-ramming incident during a Filipino street festival in Vancouver, Canada, that killed and injured several people celebrating Lapu-Lapu Day Saturday night.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this shocking and horrific incident,” Senate President Francis Escudero said, calling the attack a “dastardly” act against Filipinos gathered for a peaceful celebration.
Escudero urged Canadian authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and called on the Philippine Consulate and embassy officials to extend all possible assistance to the victims and their families, noting that “there is no place in this world for such horrible acts of violence.”
Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros condemned the act of “senseless and cruel violence,” mourning with the Filipino community in Canada.
“Hindi kayo nag-iisa (You are not alone). We stand with you in grief, in the pursuit of justice, and in healing,” Hontiveros said in a statement, urging Philippine officials to ensure that the victims and their families receive the necessary support and that genuine justice is secured.
Senator Joel Villanueva also lamented the tragic turn of what was supposed to be a joyful event honoring Filipino heritage.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time,” Villanueva said, appealing to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Migrant Workers, and the Philippine Consulate in Vancouver to coordinate with Canadian authorities for a thorough investigation and prompt assistance.
“What was meant to be a joyful celebration for our Filipino community has turned into a heartbreaking tragedy,” Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said, calling for a swift and thorough investigation to ensure accountability and emphasizing solidarity with the victims and their families.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada also expressed deep condolences to the Filipino community in Vancouver following a tragic incident at a local festival that claimed lives.
“I stand in grief and prayer with the families of the victims,” Estrada said, urging for unity and compassion and called on the community to offer vital support to those affected.
Concerned government agencies has vowed to monitor developments closely and work with Canadian officials to provide continued support to affected Filipinos. (Wilnard Bacelonia)
20
