Local figures express grief and support for Canadian-Filipino community after Lapu Lapu Day tragedy

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Multiple local figures have voiced their support for the Filipino community in the wake of Saturday’s attack at a Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver.

The attack, allegedly perpetrated by a 30-year-old from South Vancouver, saw someone drive a vehicle through a large crowd of people, with 11 people dead and several more injured as of April 28th.

“On behalf of council for the City of Fort St. John, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the Filipino community and everyone affected by the tragedy at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver,” Mayor Lilia Hansen said in a Facebook post on April 27th.

“This devastating loss weighs heavily on us, especially in our town where many Filipino families are part of the fabric of our community.”

Hansen went on to say the city and its non-Filipino residents stand with the North Peace Filipino community, sharing their grief and honouring their unity and resilience.

Ovvian Castrillo-Hill, a member of the North Peace Fil-Can Association, thanked Hansen, saying local Filipino people are heartbroken by the events of Saturday.

“While waiting for answers, and subsequently, justice,” Castrillo-Hill said, “we pray for those who lost their lives and those still battling for theirs. Thank you for thinking of us at this difficult time.”

Energeticcity.ca contacted Castrillo-Hill for a statement from the association and did not hear back in time for publication.

The MLA for Peace River North, Jordan Kealy, also took to social media, calling the attack at the festival a “horrific scene.”

“What happened at the festival is heartbreaking,” Kealy said. “So many lives lost, so many families hurting — it’s hard to put into words.

“To everyone affected, I am so sorry. I’m thinking of the victims, those recovering from injuries and the loved ones facing unimaginable grief today.”

According to reporting from the Canadian Press, the police believe the attack was not an act of terror, and the suspect has had “multiple mental health interactions” with officers.

“This is sickening,” Kealy said. “Far too many times, the authorities know of the person before they commit these heinous acts of violence. Our system needs to be overhauled.”

Dan Davies, the region’s former MLA before Kealy was elected, also voiced his condolences on social media.

“Absolutely saddened to hear about the horrific attack in Vancouver,” Davies posted. “My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Filipino community and others impacted by this.”

Dawson Creek Mayor Darcy Dober issued a statement on April 28th saying the attack has “deeply saddened” the community.

“This senseless act has made a profound impact on communities far and wide, and we stand in solidarity with our Filipino-Canadian neighbors,” Dober said. 

“We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every individual is valued and safe, and we want to express our deep sorrow that today, not all of our friends and neighbours are feeling either valued or safe.”

Dober went on to say that the Filipino community has the City of Dawson Creek’s “unwavering support and our deepest condolences,” concluding that they will continue to honour their spirit of unity and compassion.

Police have charged the 30-year-old suspect with eight counts of second-degree murder and say more charges are expected once all the victims have been identified.