Latest news with #LapuLapu
CBC
7 hours ago
- General
- CBC
Lapu Lapu murder suspect to face trial on mental fitness
Lapu Lapu murder suspect to face trial on mental fitness 8 minutes ago Duration 1:19
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Man arrested after sexually assaulting teen girl in Vancouver bathroom
A man has been arrested and charged after a crime spree on Wednesday that involved assaulting a woman, sexually assaulting a teen girl, and attempting to rob a bank. According to Vancouver police, the violent string of incidents began around 5:15 p.m. on May 28 in an office at Cambie and West 41st. A woman was leaving an appointment when she was grabbed in the hallway and assaulted. She was able to scream and get away unharmed. Just 14 minutes later, a teen girl was using a washroom in the same building when an unknown man cornered her inside with a knife and sexually assaulted her. The attacker fled after someone tried to enter the washroom. As police were responding to the sex assault, they said a man walked into a bank on the ground floor of the building and tried to rob it. Police arrest a suspect. John Frederick Field, a 62-year-old Surrey man, is charged with sexual assault with a weapon against a person under 16, forcible confinement, carrying a concealed weapon, robbery and assault. He was being held in custody. Police are asking anyone with information about the incidents to contact police at 604-717-0602. sip@ Suspect in Lapu Lapu festival killings makes second appearance in Vancouver court B.C.'s minimum wage is going up: Here's everything you need to know
CBC
a day ago
- Health
- CBC
1 month later, Lapu-Lapu Day witness, victim reflect on their experience
Social Sharing Rosadene Alcala Apeles was thinking of packing their jewelry booth at the end of the Lapu-Lapu Day festival just over a month ago when they spotted an SUV driving very quickly towards them. Apeles says their table was located close to the unprotected barrier that closed off 43rd Avenue for food trucks and vendors at the festival. "I saw that black SUV — it was coming in pretty hot, and I felt like, this is a school zone. Why is it going so fast?" they told CBC's On the Coast host Gloria Macarenko. "And then the car just didn't stop." Apeles heard tires screeching. And then the car raced out of view. They soon realized they had just witnessed the first injury and the first casualty that took place that evening. 'I am a different person than I was' It's been just over a month since the Lapu-Lapu Day festival tragedy occurred on April 26. Eleven people were killed, and dozens more were injured. The victims include a mother visiting her sons from the Philippines, a family that had come to Canada to escape violence in Colombia, another family that left behind a 16-year-old son who had stayed home that day, and a high school teacher. Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, has since been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder in connection with the crash. Witnesses and those who were injured at the event say they are still recovering — mentally and physically — from what they saw and experienced. 'My hands still shake': Lapu Lapu Day witness speaks 1 month after tragedy 1 day ago Duration 13:39 Rosadene Alcala Apeles, a second-generation mental health-care worker, was a vendor at the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver where 11 people were killed after a car was driven into them. They say they're still afraid of traffic and loud noises after the tragic crash. "I think that fundamentally I am a different person than I was at the start of that day," Apeles said. "I have come to terms that this event is going to be part of who I am, whether that be for the better or the worse." Some witnesses and victims also say the past month has been a time to reflect: about their community, their families and the state of mental health care in B.C. Apeles, who works as a mental health support worker and harm reduction specialist, says the tragedy has underscored the need for more support for those suffering from mental illness. "If we want a healthy society where these tragedies don't happen, we need to acknowledge that we can't sweep these tragedies under the rug," they said. "The people who enabled this to happen have to apologize. They have to make commitments to do better." 'This was a car that hit you' Christi-Ann Watkins, 43, performed and helped produce the show at the festival. Her 11-year-old son Knox had performed as well. They had just wrapped up at the main stage and decided to grab a bite to eat at one of the food vendors. She was feeling happy about how well everything had turned out. "The vibe was great," Watkins told BC Today host Michelle Eliot. "Although Lapu-Lapu was tragic, it was still a beautiful day for so many people." Organizers of Lapu-Lapu Day festival reflect on one-month anniversary of tragedy 3 days ago Duration 8:52 Monday marks one month since the tragedy at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival in South Vancouver. Eleven people were killed after an SUV was driven into a festival crowd on April 26. The Lapu-Lapu Day event was organized by Filipino B.C. In the past month, the group has been liaising directly with victims' families and organizing supports in the community. To reflect on this, we're joined by Filipino B.C. chair RJ Aquino. Watkins says she was standing near the vendors, holding her son's hand, when out of nowhere she was hit from behind. "I didn't see this car, didn't hear this car, nothing," she said. "And I remember mentally processing what was happening to me that just all of a sudden I just got hit and my brain understood it as, 'This was a car that hit you.'" 'Things could be a lot worse' Watkins fell to the ground. Her whole body was in pain, and it hurt to breathe. She says she just told herself to keep her eyes open and keep breathing. Someone quickly put pressure on her head because she was bleeding. An arm's length away, people were trying to resuscitate a girl with no pulse. She panicked and reached out, worried it was her son. Just then, a friend came up and told her not to worry. She had Knox, and he was safe. South Vancouver neighbourhood creates tighter bond in tragedy aftermath 1 day ago Duration 3:06 Watkins was put in an ambulance and sent to Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster. She says she maintained consciousness through it all. Her injuries included a laceration due to blunt force trauma to her head, fractured vertebrae in her neck, fractured ribs, pelvis and knee. She also had a punctured lung, laceration to her spleen and kidney, and road rash from her ankles all the way up to her head. "I'm very aware of the fact that I'm still here and things could be a lot worse," she said. 'I'm here to tell it' Watkins was in hospital for 10 days. She expected to be there for months. While she was there, she accepted a steady stream of visitors, which she credits for her recovery. Hopped up on painkillers, she recounted what happened hundreds of times. "I don't find it daunting," she said. "I just need people to know what happened because I'm here to tell it." Back at home, Watkins still very much struggles with the pain from her injuries. She says it doesn't take much to leave her exhausted. Her husband is on leave from his job to care for her. Focus on the present Despite what happened to her, Watkins says she has chosen not to let anger overcome her. Instead, she is focusing on having a second chance with her family and the present. And also, the outpouring of love and support from her community. Vancouver Filipino community rallies to support festival tragedy survivors 25 days ago Duration 2:42 A week after 11 people were killed and dozens more were injured at Vancouver's Lapu-Lapu Day festival, some victims are still in hospital recovering. As Shaurya Kshatri reports, Vancouver's Filipino community is visiting survivors, hoping to provide support during these difficult times. A month later, she says, fundraisers are still happening. The support is still there. But Watkins isn't leaving negative emotions out entirely. Like Apeles, she is critical of B.C.'s mental health system. "He needs help, too," she said of the suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
What's The News? S'pore students face off in ST's quiz competition
Organised as part of ST's 180th anniversary celebrations, the What's The News? competition brought together students across secondary and tertiary levels to take part in an interactive quiz that merged current affairs with fun team-based physical challenges and creativity. Quiz host Rishi Budhrani interacting with students in the preliminary round of the competition at St Gabriel's Secondary School on April 15. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI ST's What's The News travelling showcase at St Gabriel's Secondary School on April 15. The showcase will be visiting schools and public spaces until June 16. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Temasek Junior College emerged as the champion when the competition ended on May 23 at NUS University Cultural Centre. Members of the winning team from Temasek Junior College (in green) shaking hands with the other finalists from Outram Secondary School, St Joseph's Institution and Presbyterian High School at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY The competition is supported by the Ministry of Education with the Central Narcotics Bureau as a partner. ST editor Jaime Ho speaking to attendees at the finals of the competition at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Guo Yatian, 16, who was part of the winning team, said: 'This competition has definitely inspired us to continue our habit of reading the news and to keep abreast of current affairs around the world. 'It enriches not just our knowledge but also how we approach daily life. It is helpful not just in our studies but also how we interact with people from different backgrounds.' (From left) Winners Rayner Ng, 16, Melody Keiko Chua, 17, Chloe Natalie D' Mello, 16, and Guo Yatian answering a question about the Lapu Lapu festival tragedy during the short answer question round at the finals on May 23. The answers were judged by (big screen from left) ST managing editor Murali Subramaniam, ST editor Jaime Ho, and Ms Leah Aw, director, Humanities Curriculum Planning and Development 2, Ministry of Education. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Citing concerns like the unpredictability of the second Trump presidency, Yatian added: 'As Singaporeans, we shouldn't be so insular. We should look beyond our country to know what's happening beyond our borders. ST VIDEO: MATILDA AQUILA CHIA, AZIM AZMAN, JACEN TAN, JORDAN LEE, JOEL CHNG & AILEEN TEO The journey to the finals began with an online individual quiz in April. ST editor Jaime Ho interacting with St Gabriel's Secondary School students during the preliminary round, which requires the participants to answer a 30-question quiz in 30 minutes on May 15. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI More than 6,000 students from 50 schools – across secondary and tertiary institutions – taking part in the competition. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI The top 16 schools then advanced to the semi-finals on May 21, each sending a team of six representatives. The Ballpits and Blindfolds game being held during the semi-finals of ST's What's The News? competition at Our Tampines Hub on May 21. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Zhonghua Secondary School students playing a game with merchandise to be won at one of the travelling showcase booths prior to the semi-finals on May 21. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH The 16 teams were divided into four zones, where only one team from each zone would secure a spot in the finals. Naval Base Secondary School supporters cheering their schoolmates on during the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub on May 21. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH During the arena-style semi-finals – consisting of four telematch games – the sports hall at Our Tampines Hub was filled with a tense and exciting atmosphere. Raffles Institution students (from left) Han Peng Hao, 16, Xie Yundi, 18, and Li Houzhe, 18, holding on to one another to keep their balance on a foam mat as they compete in the Go The Distance game during the semi-finals on May 21. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Loyang View Secondary School student Jumao-As Nicholas Lim, 16, holding his stance on two foam mats as he competes in the Go The Distance game during the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Alexis Eng, 16, from Naval Base Secondary School holding up her team's answer to a true or false question while competing in the Go The Distance game during the semi-finals on May 21. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Challenges included finding answers hidden in a ball pit while blindfolded, and illustrating social issues such as drug abuse and mental health through drawing. A Pasir Ris Secondary School student resting during a break in the Ballpits and Blindfolds game at the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub on May 21. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Yishun Innova Junior College students guiding their teammate – sitting in a ball pit blindfolded – to find the placard with the correct answer as quickly as possible. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Victoria School student Joshua Krisnanto, 16, said the competition was an 'eye-opening experience'. Victoria School students participating in a Pictionary-style contest, which tested their creativity and presentation skills. The game was part of the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub on May 21. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY 'The competition got us to know more about current affairs, not only in Singapore but also on an international scale, which we felt was really beneficial as it's important to know what's happening around us at this moment,' he added. Yishun Innova Junior College students presenting to ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo and SPH Media's managing editor of English, Malay and Tamil Media Dominic Nathan during the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub on May 21. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY The members of the Victoria School team – one of the youngest teams in the semi-finals – said they felt like the 'underdogs of their zone'. Judges assessing the student presentations for the Pictionary-style game. During the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub on May 21, the 16 teams were divided into four zones, where only one team from each zone would go on to the finals. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Despite not making it to the finals, team members said they had fun and hope to join the contest again. Outram Secondary School students (from left) Liam Hu, 16, Didi Chua, 15, Kara Anne Ringling, 15, Laris Ho, 16, Sonya Koh, 15, and Abburu Sai Daksha, 16, jumping for joy on May 21 after finding out they qualified for the finals of the competition. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY ST VIDEO: MATILDA AQUILA CHIA, AZIM AZMAN, JACEN TAN & JOHNBOY IYPE JOHN Intensity grew at the finals, where four schools went up against one another in a game show format. Teams, consisting of four members, chose questions of varying difficulty and could redirect one question to an opponent. Correct answers earned points for both teams, but wrong answers meant only the receiving team lost points. The four teams at ST's What's The News? finals held at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Presbyterian High School, which was gunning for second place, found itself on the losing end after two difficult questions were redirected its way. The team ultimately finished fourth. Presbyterian High School students (from left) Zoe Tan, Cherisse Kow, Daven Voo and Lee Yu Xin, who are all aged 15, reacting after getting a challenging question during the short answer question round at the finals on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Team member Zoe Tan, 15, said: 'There is a sense of regret, because we had asked our friend to check (one of the questions) for us, but we still didn't get it right.' Presbyterian High School students comforting each other after the finals at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY The team said the experience taught them lessons in strategy and presentation skills. St Joseph's Institution (SJI), which took second place, credited its success to strong teamwork. SJI students (from left) Ethan Chong, Wang Xuanwen, Nathan Henry Asikin and Krishay Gautam Patel, all aged 16, preparing their responses for the presentation round at the finals of the competition at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Though well-versed in global affairs from participating in Model United Nations, the team admitted to initially underestimating the depth of local news. St Joseph's Institution students using a 'redirect' card to deflect a question during the short answer question round. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Supporters of St Joseph's Institution cheering their team on during the finals at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY 'Prior to What's The News?, we felt that as a small country, (Singapore's news) would be quite mundane. But after this competition, we have found that it's far more than what we had envisioned,' said SJI team member Ethan Chong, 16. His teammates agreed that they now have a newfound interest in learning more about local politics, especially after the recent general election. ST VIDEO: MATILDA AQUILA CHIA, AZIM AZMAN, JORDAN LEE, JACEN TAN & AILEEN TEO
Global News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Global News
‘Emotional aftermath' still fresh 1 month after Vancouver Lapu Lapu day attack
Members of Parliament held a moment of silence on the one-month anniversary of the deadly attack on the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, as members of the Filipino community and others continue to grapple with its impact. Newly elected Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia said all parties in the House of Commons agreed to mark the occasion, with parliamentarians bowing their heads in observance of what he called a 'tragic event.' Advocacy group Filipino BC said in a statement marking the anniversary that witnesses, victims and their families are still navigating the 'emotional aftermath' of the attack that killed 11 people and injured dozens more. 6:49 Continued effort to help raise funds for Lapu Lapu Day victims and families The statement said tragedies such as floods and fires left tangible results, but the attack was a 'social disaster' with invisible impacts on communities and their sense of safety and with no 'clear perimeter.' Story continues below advertisement 'Healing does not follow a straight line. It takes time, care, and community,' the statement said. 'And for many, this past month has been a heavy one.' It said the 'full ripple effect' of the attack is yet to be seen, as people deal with lasting trauma that can manifest itself in different ways 'quietly beneath surface.' 'Some may not even realize just how much they've been affected until much later,' the organization said. Filipino BC said it was 'heartbreaking' that there had been hesitation from some people to seek help in the belief that others are more in need, with witnesses more concerned about people injured, and injured people more concerned with the families of those who died. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'This unspoken hierarchy of grief is dangerous, and it's not how healing works.' Sammie Jo Rumbaua, a director with the Filipino non-profit Mabuhay House, said the society has been working with the community and other organizations as they grieve, amid a 'sense of real urgency' to gather communally. Rumbaua said prayers on June 5 will mark 40 days since the attack, a significant date in the Filipino Catholic tradition, but the tragedy 'still feels very fresh.' 1:27 Lapu Lapu festival tragedy victims honoured with moment of silence in House of Commons 'Survivors of violence and victims, they're not ready to talk,' she said Monday. 'A lot of them haven't been able to talk about the situation, (or) go back to the site.' Story continues below advertisement She said many people from all communities affected by the attack are 'really still reflecting on what has happened.' Rumbaua said there are also looming questions about the security of future community events in Vancouver, and how the city dealt with memorials to the victims. She said upcoming events to mark Filipino heritage and independence — such as the Pinoy Festival in Burnaby on June 14 — have shifted from celebratory themes to reflecting on the attack's lasting effects. 2:33 'Soup Nazi' attends fundraiser supporting Lapu Lapu tragedy victims She said the push by Mabuhay House to build a Filipino cultural centre remains a long-standing goal, and the attention the tragedy has brought has 'amplified' a number of other issues facing the diaspora, including live-in caregivers and temporary foreign workers. 'It's great that our stores are finally being heard in the mainstream to see the need for what our community has been doing for Canada,' she said. Story continues below advertisement There have been several fundraisers for victims, and United Way BC says it has raised about $1.3 million. Multiple fundraisers were held over the weekend, including in New Westminster, B.C., where 'Soup Nazi' actor Larry Thomas, best known for his role as a strict soup seller on the sitcom 'Seinfeld,' served soup as part of a fundraiser at the Greens And Beans Deli on Sunday. 3:33 Vancouver to move memorial of Lapu Lapu festival tragedy A three-kilometre run was held earlier that day at the Toronto Zoo to raise money for United Way's Kapwa Strong Fund, which offers grants to not-for-profit organizations supporting those affected by the attack. And a tribute concert took place on Saturday in Surrey, B.C., hosted by the local Philippine Independence Day Society, which issued a statement saying nine Surrey families were impacted by the tragedy. Story continues below advertisement The attack on the Lapu Lapu Day festival took place on April 26 when an SUV rammed through a crowd, causing what Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai called the 'darkest day' in the city's history. Adam Kai-Ji Lo faces eight counts of second-degree murder and further charges are anticipated. He is due back in court on Friday.
