Apl.de.Ap, Jo Koy mourn Lapu-Lapu Festival tragedy in Vancouver

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-American celebrities are expressing sorrow and solidarity after a horrific vehicle attack at the Lapu-Lapu Festival left 11 people dead and several others injured on Saturday evening.The festival is an annual celebration of Filipino heritage in Vancouver, Canada's Sunset on Fraser neighborhood.Filipino-American international artist Apl.de.Ap FACEBOOK PHOTO/APL.DE.APAuthorities confirmed the act was deliberate. The suspect, a 30-year-old man with a "significant history" of mental health issues and prior interactions with police, is now in custody.Among those present at the festival were international artists Apl.de.Ap and J Rey Soul, who had just concluded a performance minutes before the attack occurred."Our hearts are broken for the victims, their families, and everyone affected by the tragedy at the Lapu-Lapu Festival," Apl.de.Ap said in an Instagram post. ""J-Rey and I had just finished performing and left the stage minutes before it happened. It's hard to describe the shock and the heaviness we feel, he continued.The Black Eyed Peas member also acknowledged the outpouring of support in the aftermath. "Thank you to everyone who's checked in - your love means the world. Please keep the victims, their families, and the organizers in your prayers. They need all the love and strength right now. The one thing I have noticed - from the audience to the messages sent around, is the sense of community that wraps its loving arms around us. We love you all," Apl.de.Ap added.J Rey Soul also expressed grief in her Instagram story saying, "We were so excited to celebrate the Lapu Lapu Festival with thousands of you in Vancouver. To hear about the tragedy that happened shortly after we performed has left us heartbroken, devastated, and still in shock," she said. "My heart aches for the families who lost their loved ones," she added.Comedian Jo Koy, who was not at the event but has been a vocal supporter of Filipino cultural celebrations, also issued a statement of condolence. "I am heartbroken to hear what took place at The Vancouver Filipino Festival," he wrote. "This is supposed to be an event that honors and celebrates our beautiful culture, and now we're mourning the loss of 11 lives that were taken too soon. My heart goes out to everyone that was affected by this horrific event. Mahal Kita," he added.Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy FACEBOOK PHOTO/JO KOYMeanwhile, event organizer Filipino Canadian Community & Cultural Society of BC (Filipino BC), expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate incident.In an official statement shared via Instagram, Filipino BC said "To our community, we are still finding the words to express the deep heartbreak brought on by this senseless tragedy. We are devastated for the families and victims. We encourage everyone to check in, support and hold each other. Do not hesitate to access resources available. You are not alone.""We will not be taking any media requests, as we are focused on supporting our community right now, in addition to experiencing this trauma. We also want to make it clear that we discourage the viewing and sharing of the videos that are currently circulating of the tragedy. In the coming days, we will be sharing more resources. More details will be made available by the VPD as the investigation unfolds," it added.Filipino BC also shared available victim services for those who witnessed or experienced trauma: Call or text 1-800-563-0808 or email [email protected] Mental Health Line at 310-6789Crisis Line at 1-800-784-2433.