1 week Ago By Rappler.com
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rapplerAds.displayAd( "mobile-middle-1" );MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he was “completely shattered” to hear about the deadly incident at a Filipino community festival in Vancouver, Canada, where a man rammed a vehicle through a crowd.
The incident occurred during the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party on Saturday evening, April 26 (Sunday, April 27, Manila time).As of Sunday, the death toll was at 11, with dozens of others injured. Vancouver police said the fatalities were between 5 and 65 years old.
“On a day meant to honor the courage of Lapu-Lapu, our kababayans (countrymen) in Vancouver became victims of an unspeakable tragedy,” Marcos said in a statement on Sunday evening.“The lives lost will not be forgotten. The Filipino people stand together in mourning, in prayer, and in unwavering support.
We will do everything in our power to bring comfort, to bring help, and to honor their memory with action.”Senator Risa Hontiveros condemned the incident as an “act of senseless and cruel violence,” and expressed support for those reeling from the tragedy.Assistance for victimsThe Philippine consulate general in Vancouver is providing assistance to the victims and their families.
“As we await more information about the incident, we pray that our community remains strong and resilient, imbued with the spirit of bayanihan (communal unity) during this difficult time,” the consulate said.Filipinos affected by the incident may call the following hotlines:Assistance-to-Nationals hotline: +1 604 653 5858Migrant workers’ office hotline: +1 604 767 3354Vancouver Police Department Victim Support: +1 800 563 0808The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), meanwhile, expressed its condolences and also pledged assistance.“As we mourn the tragic turn of events, we remember the one-million-strong Filipino community in Canada and pray for their continued strength and resilience,” said the DFA.
– Rappler.com.
