What was meant to be a joyful celebration of Filipino culture turned tragic on April 26, when a vehicle drove into a crowd of attendees at the Lapu-Lapu Day celebration in Vancouver, B.C.
Called by Interim Vancouver Police Chief, Steve Rai as “the darkest day in the city’s history,” the incident had claimed 11 lives, leaving several more in critical condition.
Certainly, the most devastating event to happen for the Filipino-Canadian community, many across the nation have organized prayer vigils to express their grief for the lives taken and their solidarity with the lives this event has forever changed.
On May 2, the Filipino Canadian Association of Cochrane Alberta (FCACA) held their own vigil. Dozens congregated at Centennial Plaza to light candles, offer prayers, and pay their respects to the victims and their loved ones.
“Tonight, we come together in solidarity and support,” said Mila Prout, FCACA president, during the ceremony. “May our collective prayers, love and compassion not only bring comfort to those affected by the Lapu-Lapu tragedy-- honouring the lives lost and embracing those who survived-- but also bring solace to each and every one of us.”
“May we find strength in unity and resilience in our community. Let us be beacons of hope, shining light in the darkness and guiding each other towards healing and peace.”
Though the tragedy struck the Filipino community hardest, the vigil was attended by Cochrane residents of all background-- echoing Mayor Jeff Genung’s call for a “Cochrane Strong” community.
Fleeha Ahmad of Rocky View Immigrant Services and Peter Lantos, vice-chair of the Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee, offered their condolences. Councillor Susan Flowers encouraged those affected by the tragedy to reach out for support through Cochrane Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).
Attendees were invited to express their grief in multiple ways—by lighting candles, writing messages on a group poster, offering flowers and engaging in personal prayer. FCACA vice-president Edward Aguanta welcomed anyone who wished to speak. Local resident Rafael Manlutac performed songs of comfort, including "Amazing Grace."
“We are very grateful for the turnout,” said Aguanta. “It meant a lot for the whole Filipino community that the rest of Cochrane have been showing support. It is important for us to know that the whole community is gathering in solidarity for what happened.”
Aguanta shares that there are nearly 2000 Filipinos residing in Cochrane. FCACA, which has only been established in 2020, has since participated in many events and initiatives around town including free basketball clinics, collaborating with Helping Hands Cochrane on local food drives, participating in Canada Day festivities as well as the big Labour Day parade held annually.
“We want to make sure that we are productive citizens and community members wherever we are in Canada,” said Aguanta. “We want to give back to the community so it would embrace us more as part of the mosaic of cultures here.”
The organization also hosts its own celebration of culture during Filipino Heritage Month every June.
“The Filipino culture is so vibrant,” Aguanta explained. “Its heritage is so important to be promoted everywhere we are.”
At approximately 8:14 p.m. on April 26, a black Audi SUV was seen speeding through a pedestrian-only area of the celebration, striking numerous bystanders ranging in age from five to 65. Vancouver police arrested the suspect, 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, who has since been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder.
In response to the tragedy, the B.C. government officially declared May 2 a Day of Remembrance and Mourning.
“This day of remembrance and mourning is an opportunity for people in British Columbia to come together, grieve the loss of innocent lives and recognize the contributions the victims made to their communities and the province,” the government said in a press release.
After the vigil, FCACA encouraged those wishing to help to consider donating through official relief channels.
Filipino BC, the organization behind Lapu-Lapu Day, has partnered with United Way British Columbia to launch the Kapwa Strong fund. One hundred per cent of donations will support trauma services, counselling, and other critical resources for those impacted.
“We are still finding words to express the deep heartbreak brought on by this senseless tragedy,” Filipino BC shared on its official Lapu-Lapu Day website. “We are devastated for the families and victims. We encourage everyone to check in, support and hold each other. Do not hesitate to access available resources. You are not alone.”
To learn more or donate, visit: uwbc.ca/lapu
