Vancouver's vibrant Lapu Lapu Festival turned tragic on Saturday night after a horrific incident left eleven dead, including a five-year-old. Witnesses express a mix of shock and sorrow as they grapple with the aftermath, calling for support and recognition of their tight-knit community.
**Vigil Held for Victims as Vancouver’s Filipino Community Grieves Festival Tragedy**
**Vigil Held for Victims as Vancouver’s Filipino Community Grieves Festival Tragedy**
In the wake of a devastating attack during the Lapu Lapu Festival, Vancouver’s Filipino community comes together to mourn the loss of life and seek strength in unity.
The streets of Vancouver echoed with sorrow on Sunday night as hundreds gathered for a vigil, mourning the victims of a tragic car ramming incident during the Lapu Lapu Festival. Initially a celebration of Filipino culture and heritage, the event erupted into turmoil when an individual drove an SUV into a crowd, resulting in eleven fatalities, with the youngest victim being just five years old.
Emotions ran high at the vigil, as R. J. Aquino, chairman of Filipino B.C., expressed the community's collective feelings of anger, confusion, and devastation. Many attendees struggled to make sense of the violence that disrupted their celebration. “A lot of us are still numb. A lot of us are still angry,” Aquino stated.
Survivors of the attack, like Roger Peralta and Bjorn Villarreal, recounted the horrifying moment when the vehicle surged through the crowd. “It was a loud bang,” recalled Bjorn, while Roger described the chaos that followed, with bodies scattered and pleas for help ringing in the air. The distress of the moment continues to haunt them, with Roger admitting that he is unable to sleep as the scene replays in his memory.
Despite the tragedy, the community remains resilient. Roger highlighted a cultural spirit known as *Bayanihan*, which embodies unity and cooperation among Filipinos. He believes that this strength will help lift the community as they face the aftermath of the attack.
British Columbia's Premier David Eby paid tribute to the Filipino community, acknowledging their significant contributions across various sectors, including healthcare and education. "This community gives and gives," he remarked, expressing solidarity with those affected.
As the investigation progresses, the Canadian public shares in the outrage felt by survivors and families of the victims. Premier Eby emphasized the need to channel this collective anger into support for the Filipino community, reassuring that “this event does not define us.”
Through candlelight vigils and tributes, the Filipino community of Vancouver stands united, mourning the loss of life while drawing strength from one another in this painful time.
