President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed grief and extended his sympathies to the families of the victims of the tragic incident during the Lapu-Lapu Day block party in Vancouver, Canada, which claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals.
In an official statement, President Marcos noted that what was intended to be a day of honoring the heroism of Lapu-Lapu turned into a moment of sorrow, as Filipino community members in Vancouver became victims of a tragedy.
"As your President, and as a father, I share in your grief and your anguish," said Marcos.
"The lives lost will not be forgetten," he firmly added.
Marcos affirmed that the nation stands in mourning and prayer, vowing to extend all possible support and to honor the victims through concrete action.
He further noted that Philippine diplomats and personnel in Vancouver have been directed to offer full support to the victims and ensure proper coordination with local Canadian officials.
In closing, the President urged the Filipino-Canadian community to stay calm yet vigilant in the wake of the tragic incident.
The tragic event also left dozens injured when a suspect, said to have a history of mental illness, deliberately drove an SUV into a group of attendees.
On Saturday evening, police arrested a 30-year-old Vancouver man at the scene. He was reported to have a lengthy record of mental health-related dealings with authorities. Officials stated that there is no evidence suggesting terrorism.
The tragedy occurred amid Lapu-Lapu Day celebrations, a holiday widely observed in the Philippines to honor Datu Lapu-Lapu, the national hero who defeated Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan in the Battle of Mactan in 1521.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Marcos noted that the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver is actively working with Canadian officials to guarantee a comprehensive investigation of the incident.
