By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Lapu-Lapu Day is a celebration held on the 27th of April in honor of the Visayan chieftain who defeated Spanish forces and decimated Ferdinand Magellan in the battle of Mactan in 1521, becoming the country’s first national hero.
However, what should have been a festivity in honor of the Filipino anti-colonial leader from the 16th century turned tragic as 11 people perished after a car-ramming incident took place at a Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on Sunday, April 27.
“I am completely shattered to hear about the terrible incident during a Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, BC, Canada.” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said in a public statement on the heels of Sunday’s fatal car attack.
“Liza and I would like to express our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and the strong and thriving Filipino community in Canada,” the President added.
The Chief Executive has also provided assurance that the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver is on the case, closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with the Canadian authorities for updates regarding the ongoing probe into the incident.
Further developments on the Vancouver car attack
Meanwhile, the Vancouver police have already apprehended the 30-year old suspect behind the wheel of the black SUV that plowed through a crowd of festivalgoers in Fraser neighborhood.
The police added that the driver had a “significant history” of interaction with police and mental health care professionals, warning that the death toll may rise.
The suspect, identified as Kai-Ji Adam Lo, was charged with eight counts of second-degree murder by the Vancouver Police Department, and may face additional charges according to the authorities.
No motive has been confirmed for the evening attack in the western city of Vancouver, though terrorism was ruled out by police.
“This is the darkest day in our city’s history,” Vancouver police said in a statement.
Britain’s King Charles III, Canada’s head of state, also said that he was “profoundly saddened” by the deaths.
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