FORMER Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate expressed his profound sorrow and extended his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the tragic vehicular incident during the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver, Canada.
This developed as Filipino communities in Canada have declared a nationwide Day of Mourning and demand that justice be served.
“It is with heavy hearts that Bayan Muna acknowledges the significant number of Filipino fatalities and injuries in this devastating event,” Zarate said in a statement.
Zarate, who personally visited Vancouver in March 2017 to campaign against alleged abuses by Canadian mining companies operating in Mindanao, recalled the warmth and resilience of the Filipino community there.
“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,” the former House Deputy Minority Leader said.
“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.”
Bayan Muna condemned the incident and called for a thorough and impartial investigation to bring those responsible to justice.
“We stand in solidarity with the Filipino-Canadian community and all those affected by this tragedy,” Zarate added. “We urge the authorities to provide all necessary support to the victims and their families during this difficult time.”
Authorities in Vancouver have confirmed that a driver plowed into a crowd during the festival, held at a popular park in the city’s downtown area.
Local police reported at least 11 Filipino fatalities and more than a dozen injuries as of Sunday morning.
The suspect, a 30-year-old man whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was arrested at the scene and is facing multiple charges, including vehicular homicide and reckless endangerment.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Philippine Ambassador Maria Andrelita Austria both issued separate statements expressing grief and vowing full support for the victims and their families.
“This tragedy underscores the need for greater safety measures during public events and a stronger commitment to preventing such acts of violence,” Zarate said.
In a separate statement, Migrante Canada also called on “Filipino communities across Canada to hold Luksang Bayan (prayer vigil) in solidarity” with the families of the victims.
Noting that the festival meant to celebrate Filipino resistance, was met with tragedy, Migrante-Canada also demands “a full investigation and swift justice, urging the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and the Consulate General in Vancouver to provide immediate support to our grieving Kababayan.”
“Witnessing their sorrow underscores the horror of this event. Today is declared a Day of Mourning for Filipino communities and supporters nationwide,” It said.
Vancouver officials have since increased security protocols around major events as the investigation into the festival tragedy continues.
