House of Representatives (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN) 

Ranking members of the House of Representatives are heartbroken over the tragic attack in Vancouver, Canada where a car plowed into a crowd of Filipinos celebrating Lapu-Lapu Day over the weekend.

“Today, our hearts grieve with our Filipino community in Vancouver...What was supposed to be a day of joy — a day to celebrate our heroes, our heritage, and the spirit that binds us as one Filipino family — turned into a day of heartbreak,” House Speaker Martin Romualdez said in a statement on Monday, April 28.

According to reports, at least 11 persons died in the incident. Police said the vehicle was driven by a person with mental health issues.

“As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I want our kababayans (countrymen) in Canada to know: Hindi kayo nag-iisa (You are not alone). We are one with you in mourning, and we stand ready to help in any way we can,” Romualdez said

“The loss of lives, the pain of those injured, and the shock of the entire Filipino-Canadian community are wounds that reach far beyond borders. Ramdam po namin ang inyong sakit. Sa bawat tahanang Pilipino ngayon, may pakikiramay, may pagdarasal, at may pagdamay (We feel your pain. Right now, in every Filipino home, there are condolences, prayers, and commiserations),” he added.

The Speaker said he has asked Philippine consular officers in Canada “to act swiftly and ensure that our kababayans are given the support, protection, and justice they deserve".

The House leader also called on the Canadian authorities “to exhaust every means to bring those responsible to account and to strengthen measures that ensure the safety of all, especially our Filipino community".

Deputy Majority Leader La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega said the senseless act of violence has not only taken innocent lives but also wounded the spirit of a community that gathered to celebrate Filipino heritage and pride.

“We mourn with our Filipino-Canadian brothers and sisters. We stand united in grief and in prayer for the victims of this senseless act of violence,” Ortega said in a separate statement.

“No celebration of our identity, our heroes, and our heritage should ever be marred by such violence. The Lapu-Lapu Day festival is a symbol of Filipino courage and resilience, and that spirit will never be broken,” Ortega added.

The ranking solon also extended his sympathies to the families of the victims, assuring them that the Filipino people share their pain and loss.

“I offer our deepest condolences. We pray for healing for the injured and strength for all those left behind,” said Ortega, who called on the Filipino community worldwide to respond to the tragedy with unity, compassion, and courage.

Assistant Minority Leader OFW Party-list Rep. Marissa "Del Mar" Magsino echoed the sentiments of her House colleagues.

"Ako ay nakikidalamhati sa ating mga kababayan sa Vancouver, Canada, kasunod ng malagim na insidente sa selebrasyon ng Lapu-Lapu Day, kung saan marami ang nasawi at nasugatan," she said.

(I offer my heartfelt condolences to our compatriots in Vancouver, Canada, following the tragic incident during the Lapu-Lapu Day celebration, where many lost their lives and others were injured.)

"Ang ganitong trahedya, sa isang pagdiriwang ng ating kultura at bayanihan, ay matinding dagok sa ating mga kababayan na nasa ibang bansa...Hinihikayat din natin ang mas mahigpit na pagtiyak ng seguridad sa mga pagtitipon ng ating mga komunidad sa ibang bansa," she said.

(Such a tragedy, occurring in a celebration of our culture and unity, is a grave blow to our fellow Filipinos abroad...We also encourage stricter measures to ensure the safety of gatherings among our overseas communities.)

"Sa harap ng trahedyang ito, ipagpapatuloy natin ang diwa ni Lapu-Lapu, lalo’t ang kanyang katapangan at pakikiisa sa mga kababayan (In the face of this tragedy, we shall continue to uphold the spirit of Lapu-Lapu, especially his courage and solidarity with his people)," reckoned Magsino.

Meanwhile, former Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate also expressed his profound sorrow and deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the tragic incident.

"It is with heavy hearts that Bayan Muna  acknowledge the significant number of Filipino fatalities and injuries in this devastating event," said Zarate. 

Zarate, who personally experienced the vibrancy of the Filipino community in Vancouver during an official visit in March 2017, where he campaigned against the malpractices of Canadian large-scale mining in Mindanao, expressed his deep shock and grief. 

"I remember the warmth and resilience of the Filipino community in Vancouver. They warmly  welcomed our delegation, and I witnessed their strong sense of unity and cultural pride," stated the former House deputy minority leader. 

"To learn that so many Filipinos have been lost in this senseless act of violence is truly heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who are now facing unimaginable pain," he said.