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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DFA condoles with Vancouver festival victims, ready to aid bereaved families

DFA condoles with Vancouver festival victims, ready to aid bereaved families

Published Apr 27, 2025 02:35 pm

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday, April 27, sent its sympathies to the victims and their families in the fatal Filipino community street festival in Vancouver, Canada that was rammed by a black car.

Vancouver crash_AP.jpeg
Vancouver police secure the scene after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia on Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

“The Department of Foreign Affairs expresses its deepest condolences to the victims and families involved in the horrific incident at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, BC, Canada,” the statement read.

“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,” it added.

The DFA, together with the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, are ready “to extend the appropriate assistance to the bereaved families and will cooperate with Canadian authorities to ensure that adequate support will be provided to our Filipino community.”

It did not say how many died in the incident, but foreign media report that about nine have been confirmed dead and multiple others were injured when the vehicle slammed into the crowd just as the festival was winding down on Saturday night.

Authorities said that a 30-year-old man is currently in custody, adding that they are confident the incident was not an act of terrorism.

Reports also indicated that the driver tried to flee the scene of the crime but festival-goers chased him and held him against a fence until the police arrived.

Various videos and photos on social media showed bodies, debris, and blood strewn across the road. Photos also showed a black car with a crumpled front section.

The Lapu Lapu Day Festival this year was the second time the event was held in Vancouver. The event was named after a resistance fighter in southern Philippines who fought against the Spanish colonization in the 16th century.

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CONDOLENCES Vancouver DFA Lapu Lapu Day
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