Senators on Monday, April 28 called for a thorough investigation into the tragic incident in Vancouver, Canada.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III said it is imperative to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure justice is served, “with hopes of preventing such incidents in the future.”

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic events that took place during the Lapu-Lapu Day celebration in Vancouver," Pimentel said.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire Filipino community in Canada as they face this difficult time,” the Senate minority leader chief said.

“We grieve alongside our kababayans abroad, and we offer our support to those affected by this heart-wrenching tragedy,” he stressed.

Pimentel’s made the remark after a driver struck a crowd of Filipinos gathering for a festival in Vancouver on April 26, 2025. Eleven (11) persons reportedly died and several others were reportedly injured in the incident.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian also expressed his desire for a in-depth probe into the Vancouver incident.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Vancouver, where several lives were lost and many others injured after a vehicle drove into a crowd at a Filipino street festival. This heartbreaking incident marred what was meant to be a joyful celebration of Filipino culture and unity,” Gatchalian said.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families, and the Filipino community in Canada. Kaagapay ninyo kami sa inyong pagdadalamhati at buong suporta nating hinihiling ang mabilis at masusing imbestigasyon upang mapanagot ang may sala (We stand with you in your grief and we fully support your request for a swift and thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable),” he said.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, for her part, expressed hope that the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver and other agencies will extend the necessary assistance to the victims’ families and ensure that genuine justice is served.

“I condemn this act of senseless and cruel violence committed against people who were peacefully celebrating Filipino culture and heritage,” Hontiveros said.

“My fervent prayers are with the families of those whose loved ones have been killed or injured, and with the entire Filipino Canadian community,” she said.

Sen. Loren Legarda also expressed deep sadness and concern over the tragedy, saying she could not believe that a day meant to honor Filipino heritage, culture, and the spirit of resistance against oppression was marred by a senseless act of violence that took the lives of at least 11 individuals and injured many others.

“We strongly condemn this heinous attack. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims, their families, and the entire Filipino community in British Columbia and beyond who are mourning this unimaginable loss,” Legarda said.

“Lapulapu Day is a symbol of courage, unity, and resilience — values that must inspire us to stand together against hatred and violence. We call on the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and to bring justice to all those affected,” she said.

“In this time of sorrow, we stand with the Filipino community and the people of Vancouver. We honor those we have lost by renewing our commitment to peace, unity, and respect for all,” added the lawmaker.