Raw video: Vancouver councillor Pete Fry speaks after several people were killed and injured at the Lapu Lapu festival
Multiple people were killed and others injured when a driver drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party near 41st Avenue and Fraser Street this evening. This is Vancouver councillor Pete Fry.
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Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Yahoo
Man charged with murder after 11 killed in Vancouver vehicle attack
A man has been charged with multiple counts of murder after eleven people, including a five-year-old child, were killed in a vehicle attack in Vancouver. The British Columbia Prosecution Service said that Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, has been charged with eight counts of second degree murder. It added that more charges were possible. Investigators have ruled out terrorism as a motive and said Lo had a history of mental health issues. Prosecutors said Lo, a resident of Vancouver, appeared in court on Sunday and remains in custody. Vancouver Police previously said a man drove into a large group of people at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party - named after a national hero of the Philippines - near 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street at around 8.14pm local time on Saturday. Footage posted on social media showed victims and debris strewn across a long stretch of road, with several people lying immobile on the ground. A black Audi SUV with a crumpled front section could be seen in photos from the scene. In a press conference on Sunday, Vancouver Police Deputy Chief Constable Steve Rai said dozens more were injured as well, some seriously, and that the number of dead could rise. He also said the oldest victim was 65, and described the attack as "the darkest day in our city's history". Mr Rai added that the man was arrested after initially being apprehended by bystanders. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
Hamilton Spectator
27-04-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Live updates: 11 dead, ages 5 to 65, dozens more injured after driver rams into Filipino Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver
Eleven people are dead and dozens more injured after a driver rammed through large crowds at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver on Saturday evening. Follow the Star's live coverage below. In the wake of Saturday's deadly vehicle ramming in Vancouver, Toronto police say their main focus at large events and gatherings is ensuring public safety. 'We carefully plan for large events in advance, with the safety and security of participants and the public as our top priority,' a police spokesperson said. On Sunday, the Khalsa Day parade and festival and Bumrun — a five kilometre run for colon cancer charity fundraising — was held in downtown Toronto. Police say they weren't aware of any credible threats to either event. They say they had an 'appropriate number of resources' assigned to Sunday's events to manage security, traffic and support, adding they're 'always prepared' to adjust resources if needed. 'It is our goal to maintain a safe environment for everyone,' police said. The city did not deploy heavy vehicle barriers, such as dump trucks, for Lapu Lapu, a spokesperson told the Star in an emailed statement. The planning team had deemed heavy vehicle barriers 'unnecessary given the event's size, location and the fact that activities were held primarily on school grounds rather than streets.' The event's safety planning team included city officials, police, fire officials and other partners, the statement said. 'The City of Vancouver extends its deepest condolences and unwavering support to the Filipino community and to all those impacted by this tragic incident,' the city added 'Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone affected during this difficult time.' At least 11 people are dead and dozens injured after a driver rammed through a Filipino street festival in Vancouver on Saturday night. Liberal Leader Mark Carney said Sunday that police have said the attack injured 'more than 20' people. Vancouver police have yet to confirm that number. The police chief did not confirm the ages of the victims, but did confirm that 'there were young people.' Kash Heed, a Richmond city councillor and former B.C. solicitor general, said he'd heard from authorities that a young child was among those killed. Here's what we know — and what we don't know — so far. At the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party earlier in the day, Sheldon Nipshank says he was welcomed with laughs and smiles as 'everybody was having fun.' But nearly an hour later, he stumbled onto what he calls a 'nightmare' — a scene of horror he'll never forget. First, he saw four police officers sprinting down the street. They were followed by waves of firefighters and paramedics. Then, he noticed the bodies lying on the ground. 'I saw the four cops carrying a deceased individual up the street until they got to a table where they could carry him on. Then, I saw them doing CPR on a person who I think was just barely surviving to live,' he said. 'After that, I walked down the street some more. I saw another person, they were covered up. I saw another person, they were covered up. It was just one after another.' On the other side of the fence where he was standing, he could hear a woman scream, 'My legs aren't working!' His brother later sent him a video clip where another woman yelled that there was a baby stuck under a food truck. Nipshank, who was at the same food trucks less than an hour before, was distraught. 'I could have been there. I could have had my family maybe calling to see if I was alive,' he said. 'That's pretty traumatic … I didn't plan to wake up that morning to see 11 people dead.' He added: 'How can somebody wake up in the morning and just decide that they're going to do this to innocent people that are just enjoying their day of cultural events? It's not right.' Speaking at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, British Columbia Premier David Eby said people at the scene 'grabbed the perpetrator and held him for police.' Asked to comment to the mental health crisis in British Columbia, Eby said 'British Columbians are right to be angry. Here's a community that has done nothing but give, that has been overlooked in terms of their contributions to our province — to this city, to this country — that is finally having an event where their culture is upheld and celebrated and it's destroyed by a single individual. 'Now, obviously this person is profoundly ill, but there's so many questions that I have.' Eby continued, 'we'll take the action that's necessary to ensure that it can't happen again.' Mark Carney, the Liberal leader who remains prime minister during the campaign, was visibly emotional, his voice wavering as he expressed shock and said he joined Canadians who are 'heartbroken' over the incident at the Lapu Lapu Day celebration. 'Last night, families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, a father, a son. Those families are experiencing every family's nightmare,' Carney said. 'I know many of you are shocked and heartbroken and saddened about this senseless violence,' said Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who visited the Christ the Living Stone Fellowship in Mississauga, with his wife, Anaida Poilievre. 'Ana and I just wanted you all to know that our hearts are with you today. All Canadians are united in solidarity with the Filipino community. All Canadians are united with you in mourning the loss of these treasured lives.' It was the New Democrats' Jagmeet Singh who expressed the most personal response to the attack: the NDP leader had attended the festival the night before, and had departed the event moments before the tragedy. 'I keep on thinking about the kids that I met, the joy. I was there literally minutes before this happened, and I can't stop thinking about how much happiness was there, and then to have such a horrific thing happen, I keep on replaying it,' Singh said as his voice broke. Read the full story here from Alex Ballingall and Raisa Patel. As a pastor reads out names of what could be the victims of the attack, her voice repeatedly breaks down. There are several political leaders present at the vigil, including BC Premier David Eby. While community members are in mourning, they are invoking their faith to remain hopeful, singing hymns praising God despite the grim circumstances. Members of Canada's Filipino community are sharing their shock and devastation in the wake of a car-ramming attack at a Vancouver street festival that left 11 people dead and dozens more injured. The organization behind the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party where the attack took place posted to Instagram to detail the 'deep heartbreak' brought on by this senseless tragedy. Filipino BC also says it discourages the viewing and sharing of the videos from the violent attack. Full story here from the Canadian Press I'm at the mass and vigil at St. Mary the Virgin South Hill Church in Vancouver, which is overflowing with community members gathering to mourn those who died in Saturday's attack. The congregation is quiet and still as a person addresses the crowd in prayer. Lots of people sniffling, with many visibly emotional. 'The Filipino community in our province is so beautiful, and contributes so much to have a discrete (sic) celebration of all the community's culture and art, food — we won't let this define that celebration,' B.C. Premier David Eby said in comments aired on CBC. 'We're all grieving today and in shock.' Following Vancouver's deadly festival incident, Toronto police say the force's priority for the city's annual Khalsa Day parade 'is to maintain a safe environment for everyone.' 'Officers will be present to provide security, manage traffic, and support this important cultural celebration,' officials said in a post on X. 'The Toronto Police Service extends our condolences to all the victims and their families impacted by events at the Vancouver Lapu Lapu festival. Our thoughts are with Vancouver Police Department and all first responders who responded to this mass casualty incident and attended to the victims with care.' Kash Heed, a Richmond city councillor and former B.C. solicitor general, said he heard from authorities that a young child was among the initial nine that were killed and added that six victims are in 'very critical condition.' Authorities have not confirmed these details. 'I talked to an officer that was on the scene and it was mayhem, complete mayhem,' Heed said. 'People yelling, people screaming, people panicking,' was how he said the officer described the initial aftermath of the attack. One police officer had apprehended the driver, that was when the tragedy hit. The officer saw 'the bodies, the carnage on the roadway and the death,' Heed said. Heed, also a former West Vancouver police chief, said vehicular attacks on festivals and events are 'not anomalies' anymore, pointing to the 2018 Yonge van attack that saw 11 killed in Toronto's largest mass killing. 'Unfortunately, we're going to have to develop procedures where it's at a high-(security) level at every single one of these events,' Heed said. In the coming days, people will point fingers at a lack of security measures, planning and how else this tragedy could have been avoided, he continued. But Heed stressed the deeper, root cause behind the attack. 'That's natural for society to blame others for what has occurred. Number one here ... is the fact that we have not dealt with people that have significant mental health issues that are out there in our public spaces.' Speaking next to Filipino BC chair RJ Aquino, Mable Elmore, a B.C. MLA representing Vancouver-Kensington, thanked first responders on scene and the 'outpouring of support' from all levels of government. 'We will be working to put a plan in place to make sure that we're able to support the community, ' said Elmore, holding back tears. 'I also want to say I encourage everybody who's been impacted to please reach out, talk to your friends and family, get help and get support.' The VPD says there's no word on when charges will be laid or when the suspect's first court appearance will occur. Filipino BC, the organizers of the Lapu Lapu festival, offered support to those affected. 'Last night was extremely difficult, and the community will feel this for a long time,' said RJ Aquino, chair of Filipino BC, in a press conference. 'If there is something that the Filipino community has demonstrated over and over again is how resilient we can be,' said Aquino. 'We will figure things out.' He continued, 'To Filipinos who see Vancouver as their new home, or as a potential home, just know that there's a tight knit community here, and that we are making an effort to ensure that we're seen, heard and celebrated.' 'And we'll continue to do that. People will find a home here, and we'll continue to make it so that people feel that they have a home here.' Former journalist Kris Pangilinan told CBC News that as crowds were clearing during teardown, crew members lifted a barricade, allowing a vehicle to enter. As multiple cars maneuvered through the venue, one driver 'slowly started to pick up speed' and hit a person. As people noticed and began yelling, Pangilinan said the driver hit the gas and 'rammed into hundreds of people.' 'It was like seeing a bowling ball hit all the bowling pins,' Pangilinan told the public broadcaster. 'It looked like we were in a war zone,' he said, adding there were 'countless' injured people laying on the ground. Vancouver police said it determined, through consultations with the City of Vancouver and festival organizers, that dedicated police officers and heavy vehicle barricades would not be deployed at the festival site. 'While I'm confident the joint risk assessment and public safety plan was sound, we will be working with our partners at the City of Vancouver to review all of the circumstances surrounding the planning of this event,' interim VPD Chief Steve Rai went on to say. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who left the festival yesterday moments before the attack, just delivered an emotional series of remarks in Penticton, B.C. 'I was at the Lapu Lapu celebration just before the attack happened. I saw families gathered together. I saw children dancing. I saw pride in culture, in history, in community,' Singh said. The NDP leader cautioned that while he was unaware of any potential motivations behind the attack, 'clearly the Filipino community right now is feeling targeted.' Singh said the 'antidote' to such acts is community. 'The antidote is a joy we create when we gather the strength we forge, when we stand together, and the pride we claim when we honour the struggles that shape us,' he said. VPD Interim Chief Rai called the fatal incident at the Lapu Lapu Festival 'the darkest day in Vancouver's history.' Rai said Vancouver police worked with the city to conduct a risk assessment before the Lapu Lapu festival. He also said that the majority of festival activities took place at a high school not directly accessible via public roads. The suspect is in Vancouver police custody in a secure cell, said Rai. The suspect is a Vancouver resident, according to Rai, adding that there is no indication of political or religious motivation for the attack. He also said there were male and female victims as well as 'young people,' though he did not elaborate on the ages of the victims. Interim Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai confirmed 11 fatalities during a press conference shortly after 9 a.m. local time. He said dozens more were injured, and the number of dead could rise in coming weeks. The driver of the vehicle was a lone occupant, said Chief Rai. He remains in custody. And more than 100 Vancouver Police officers are currently working on this case 'I can now say with confidence that the evidence in this case does not lead us to believe this was an act of terrorism,' he said. 'I can also tell you that the person we have in custody does have a significant history of interactions with police and health care professionals related to mental health. I am unable to publicly identify the person who is in custody because charges have not yet been laid.' Rai added, 'The actions of a single person shattered our collective sense of safety. It is impossible to overstate how many lives have been impacted forever by this lone individual.' Around the world, people fuelled by motives ranging from terrorism and far-right extremism to misogyny and mental illness have deployed the tactic increasingly in recent decades. A San José State University study from 2018 notes that vehicles are 'easily obtainable, and a ramming attack requires little preparation' or skill. The gruesome practice has also proven devastating, yielding a high death toll in horrific fashion when crowds are gathered. Read the full story from the Canadian Press Vancouver city councillor Pete Fry said he saw a site safety plan in place, including barricades, when he attended Lapu Lapu earlier Saturday night. 'I understand this heinous act of vehicular violence might have taken place during load out,' Fry said in an email. 'I think any hypothesis of how this happened might have to wait until the police investigation.' A source from the Carney campaign, speaking on condition they aren't named, said the Liberals are cancelling large rallies that had been scheduled in Calgary and Richmond, B.C., on Sunday. We're flying right now with Carney to Saskatoon, where he is slated to hold a smaller event with a group of Liberal supporters. The plan now is to proceed for another small event in Edmonton, where Carney is expected to briefly speak and interact with people there. The rest of today's campaign tour, originally envisioned as a cross-country blitz through four provinces, is up in the air as the party decides whether it is appropriate for the campaign to stop in B.C. after the horrors of Saturday night. 'We are in continued conversation with Vancouver and B.C. authorities and will have more to share about the day's further plans in the hours ahead,' the Liberal source said. While Carney said police told him more than 20 people were injured, local officials have not yet shared the injury toll. Carayn Nulada said she pulled her granddaughter and grandson off the street and used her body to shield them from the black SUV that roared through the middle of the crowd at the Lapu Lapu Day festival just after 8 p.m. She said her daughter, the children's mother, suffered a narrow escape when the SUV clipped her arm. Nulada said her daughter was able to get back up, and her injuries were minor, but all around her were other victims scattered on the ground. 'The car hit her arm and she fell down, but she got up, looking for us because she is scared,' said Nulada, who described children screaming and pale-faced victims lying on the ground or wedged under vehicles. 'I saw people running and my daughter was shaking.' Nulada was in Vancouver General Hospital's emergency room early Sunday morning trying to find news about her brother, who suffered multiple broken bones. Doctors identified him by presenting the family with his wedding ring in a pill bottle and said he was stable but would be facing surgery. Witnesses of the attack described bodies being sent flying by impact with the SUV. - The Canadian Press Carney's campaign is heading to Saskatoon now for a campaign event. The rest of the day's schedule is not confirmed, including planned stops in British Columbia. The campaign tells us they're talking with local authorities to determine if it's appropriate to make a campaign stop there after what Carney described as a horrific car ramming attack in Vancouver. Witnesses described the suspect '(driving) into a large crowd' at the street festival just after 8 p.m. local time Saturday. Video posted on social media showed victims and debris strewn across the long stretch of road, with at least seven people lying immobile on the ground. Nic Magtajas, present at the time of the incident, described an SUV travelling at a high speed while striking pedestrians. 'I saw a bunch of people go over, go high up from the impact of hitting the car and such,' said Magtajas, 19. Magtajas, along with another witness, Jihed Issa, said they were working at a store facing the festival and that they initially had their backs to the scene. When they heard a car engine revving, they turned around 'and then we just see (the car) go full speed through a bunch of people.' Issa, 17, said he also saw the black SUV driving through the crowd. 'People were screaming,' he said. '(The vehicle) went all the way to the end of the street.' Issa said he then saw the SUV come to a stop at the end of the street, with smoke coming from it. 'There was a lot of people panicking, people on the floor — bodies, if you will.' Former prime minister Justin Trudeau said he stands with the Filipino community in a post on social media. 'My heart goes out to the loved ones of all the victims of the tragic attack at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver,' Trudeau wrote on X. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. described the fatal incident at the Lapu Lapu festival as 'an unspeakable tragedy' in a social media statement posted this morning. 'The Filipino people stand together in mourning, in prayer, and in unwavering support. We will do everything in our power to bring comfort, to bring help, and to honour their memory with action,' he said. Marcos added the government has given specific instructions to diplomats and staff in Vancouver to assist the victims and work together with Canadian authorities. 'I encourage everyone concerned to keep calm but remain vigilant,' he wrote. At Christ the Living Stone Fellowship, a Filipino church in Mississauga, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his wife, Anaida Poilievre, met with mourners and shared their condolences. 'I know many of you are shocked and heartbroken and saddened about this senseless violence,' the Conservative leader said. 'Ana and I just wanted you all to know that our hearts are with you today. All Canadians are united in solidarity with the Filipino community. All Canadians are united with you in mourning the loss of these treasured lives.' This morning, Governor-General Mary Simon shared this message: My husband, Whit and I extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the tragic attack that occurred at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver. A joyous celebration of Filipino culture, community and heritage ended in loss of life and serious injuries as a result of a horrific act. I also want to express my gratitude to all the first responders who rushed to the scene of the incident; your courage, dedication, and swift action in the face of such devastation are deeply appreciated. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has cancelled a series of campaign events in British Columbia on Sunday. His campaign says he will address the media in Pentincton, B.C. at 9 a.m. PST and then travel back to Vancouver. Federal police sources, speaking to the Star on a background-only basis, say the suspect is believed to have mental health issues, and at this early stage they are not aware of a political connection or motivation behind the attack. Carney's spokespeople said he has just spoken with B.C. Premier David Eby and 'conveyed his condolences and offered the federal government's full support.' Carney said police have described the incident as a 'car ramming attack' that killed nine people and injured more than 20 others, and that the suspect who allegedly drove the car is believed to have acted alone. I asked if Carney had spoken to members of the Filipino community, and I was told he had spoken to Liberal MP Rechie Valdez, who's running for reelection in Mississauga-Streetsville and recently served as chief government whip. Speaking from Hamilton, Ont., Liberal Leader Mark Carney offered his condolences to the Filipino-Canadian community. Carney says he was briefed by the Ministry of Public Safety and does not believe there is an immediate threat to Canadians. Nine people are dead after a vehicle plowed through a Vancouver street festival being staged by the city's Filipino community Saturday night, leaving a trail of debris and victims in its wake. The driver, a 30-year-old Vancouver man, has been arrested, Vancouver police said. Several others were injured when the suspect 'drove into a large crowd' at the street festival at East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street just after 8 p.m. local time Saturday, according to officers. Police have not yet clarified how many were injured in the attack but did say they can confirm nine deaths, as of 6 a.m. EDT. 'At this time, we are confident that this incident was not an act of terrorism,' the force added in an update to social media. Read the full story here The 11 people killed in Saturday's vehicle attack ranged in age from five to 65, and dozens more were injured, some critically, interim Vancouver police Chief Steve Rai said Sunday. 'This is a tragedy, the likes of which the city has never experienced before,' he said. 'We are all experiencing a range of emotions right now, from grief to anger to disbelief. These emotions will continue over the coming days as we learn more about the suspect and get a clearer picture of what exactly transpired last night.' Canadian Blood Services is 'moved' by a wave of appointments in Vancouver, the organization told the Star in an email. Though most appointments in Vancouver have filled, many are still available throughout B.C. and Canada, a spokesperson added. 'Canadian Blood Services extends its deepest sympathies to the Filipino community and everyone affected by this tragic incident. Our hearts are with the people who lost their lives or were injured and their loved ones,' the organization said. 'We are closely monitoring the needs of patients and hospitals in Vancouver to make sure that we continue to meet them.' Canadian Blood Services encourages people to donate in the weeks to come to keep the national supply strong. An officer on the scene says everything is mostly as it was after the attack and it will be that way for hours to come. Police still need to photograph evidence and remove remnants of attack. Several blocks are closed. There are more than a dozen onlookers and people have placed flowers near the scene. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said he's 'completely heartbroken,' 'shocked' and 'angry' after a deadly vehicle ramming at the Lapu Lapu street festival killed 11 people Saturday night. 'What happened at the Lapu Lapu festival last night was unthinkable,' Sim said. 'Families gathered to celebrate the chance to share their culture and their pride. And in an instant, their world was shattered. 'To the Filipino community and the family members of the victims: we see you, we love you and we grieve with you.' In response, Sim has ordered a full review of event safety measures, including barriers, traffic control and other protocols, to prevent future attacks. Vancouver police Interim Chief Steve Rai said there were no large vehicle barriers, besides for traffic control, at the festival because there was no credible threat beforehand. 'We didn't remove any because we didn't place them — the trucks and so forth — at the beginning, he said. 'It wasn't in the plan for this event because the information didn't warrant that for a family event.' Sim also said the attack does not appear to be an act of terrorism. The suspect, who remains in custody, has a 'significant history' of mental health issues and multiple prior interactions with police, he said. Rai declined to confirm any details regarding the number of interactions police have had with the suspect or information regarding his diagnosis, due to an ongoing investigation. 'If anything is to come of this tragedy, it has to be change,' Sim said. 'I'll endeavour to bring everyone to the table to tackle this issue.' Although Vancouver police have deployed officers with rifles at other events in the past year, interim Chief Steve Rai said they only take that precaution when they believe an event might escalate. Events like Vancouver's Pride Parade, Celebration of Light and Italian Days festival were examples where officers carried rifles, he said, based on intelligence suggesting possible protests, counterprotests or confrontations. 'It's all based on history and intel gathering,' Rai added. What made Saturday's Filipino street festival different, Rai said, was the absence of those risk factors. After scanning the environment, he said the information collected led police to decide the event didn't warrant that level of precaution. 'It's a family-friendly cultural event with no history on any system, on any platform,' Rai said. 'And previously last year, there were no incidents at all.' A handful of videos that appear to show the aftermath at the scene were circulated online within hours of the attack. Screams and sobs ring out in each. People run in all directions. Paramedics and bystanders tend to the injured. The camera pans to the victims on the pavement. Some lay motionless on the ground, their limbs distorted. In one, a young child in a purple dress looks up at an adult. 'I want to go home,' she can be heard, faintly, amongst the chaos. A few moments later, the camera pans back and the two are hugging. In another, someone gasps, before yelling out to paramedics that a baby is 'under the truck' and motioning down the strip. The black SUV, emergency lights flashing, can be seen in two of the four videos reviewed by the Star. An officer is stationed outside the driver's side door, left ajar. 'The driver is gone,' the voice of one of the people filming says, 'the driver is gone.'
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Yahoo
Saskatchewan's Filipino community heartbroken after deadly Vancouver festival tragedy
Members of Saskatchewan's Filipino community are expressing shock, sadness and solidarity following an incident at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver on Saturday that left 11 people dead and several others injured. Jenelyn Santos Ong, co-president of the Filipino Canadian Association of Saskatchewan (FILCAS), said the news was devastating to hear. "It's definitely one of shock and sadness, something unimaginable and unexpected, especially at an event that's supposed to be celebrating our culture and heritage," Ong said. The incident happened Saturday afternoon during a street party commemorating Lapu Lapu, a revered Filipino hero known for resisting Spanish colonization in the 1500s. According to police, a vehicle drove into the festival crowd. The driver, a 30-year-old Vancouver man, is in custody. Ong said many Filipinos in Saskatchewan have family and friends living in Vancouver. She noted that although her loved ones had already left the festival site before the tragedy occurred, not everyone has been accounted for. "A lot of us know family and friends that are living there," she said. "Even if they're not directly impacted, just knowing that they were there, and witnessing it or being close by, it still affects them." Ong says FILCAS has already contacted Filipino organizations in British Columbia to offer support, and will continue coordinating efforts to help the affected families. She encouraged people to focus on community healing rather than sharing graphic images or videos circulating online. "We really want to focus on the people and do what we can to support them," Ong said. Jenelyn Santos Ong, co-president of the Filipino-Canadian Association of Saskatchewan, says the organization has reached out the Vancouver-Filipino community to offer support. (Jeffery Tram/CBC) Alvin Pulga, public relations officer for the Philippine Association of Saskatchewan in Regina, said he first learned of the tragedy from a family group chat. Like many, he woke up to the devastating news on Sunday morning. "As a Filipino-Canadian, it hits closer to home," Pulga said. "Our community here in Regina is heartbroken and saddened." Pulga said the tragedy sparked difficult conversations within his own family, particularly with younger relatives now fearful about attending cultural festivals. "I was talking about it with my niece and my son earlier today and it's hard to explain, you know, the reality that things like this can happen," he said. "You try to comfort them just knowing that it'll be OK." He emphasized the importance of reassuring young people that celebrating culture should remain a source of pride and joy, despite the risks. "Events like this are supposed to be joyous," he said. "We want our kids to know they should still be excited to celebrate our culture." Strength in community Pulga and the Philippine Association of Saskatchewan have been preparing for its Filipino pavilion at Mosaic festival — an annual multicultural event scheduled for the first weekend of June. He said that while security had not been a focus in past meetings, that will likely change. "I'm sure at our next meeting something's gonna be brought up with this idea in mind of security," he said. Both Ong and Pulga emphasized that while the tragedy has cast a shadow over celebrations, it has also revealed the strength and unity of the Filipino community. "One thing about Filipinos is that we really do come together when there's tragedy or crisis," Ong said. "The community is still feeling that sadness, but also the gratitude for having a community that comes together."
