'Our hearts are broken': Artists speak out after Lapu Lapu Day tragedy
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Headlining performers from the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party took to social media to share their sentiments following the festival tragedy.
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Apl.de. Ap and J-Rey, both of the American musical group Black Eyed Peas, issued a joint statement on Instagram on Sunday noting their 'hearts are broken for the victims, their families, and everyone affected by the tragedy at the Lapu-Lapu Festival.'
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The two artists had just left the mainstage of the event where they led the festival's entertainment offering on Saturday night before a black SUV sped through a pedestrian-only area at the Filipino community celebrations in south Vancouver.
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'J-Rey and I had just finished performing and left the stage minutes before it happened,' Apl.de. Ap shared in the post. According to a press release shared prior to the festival, the event was scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The car drove into the crowd around 8:14 p.m., according to police.
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A post shared by Apl.de.Ap (@apldeap)
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Adding sentiments of thanks for all who had checked in following the tragedy, Apl.de. Ap asked fans and followers to keep the victims, families and organizers of the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in their prayers.
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'They need all the love and strength right now,' said Apl.de. Ap.
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While shared as a joint statement, J-Rey took to the comments section of the social media post to add additional sentiments.
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'We came to Vancouver to celebrate and be with our community,' the Filipino-American singer wrote. 'Devastated beyond words to learn about the tragedy that unfolded. Still in shock. Thoughts and prayers to everyone and all the families affected. Sending love and prayers to all the Filipinos in B.C.'
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Swiggle Mandela also performed at the Vancouver festival on Saturday. Accompanied by a video from the day, which shows the rapper performing in front of a crowd, the rapper highlighted the positivity he witnessed at the event prior to the car-ramming attack.
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'I witnessed the horrific tragedy that took away so many innocent loving people in a senseless act of violence,' Swiggle Mandela shared. 'And while the whole world is mourning for obvious reasons, I also want to highlight the positivity and how incredible Lapu Lapu Day was, because majority of what is being shown is the negativity that took place, and I think it is important to try and share some positivity.'
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The Portland-based artist said he is 'heartbroken for Vancouver B.C. and the Filipino community worldwide' and pledged to do whatever he can to help the victims.
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