Councilors in Lapu-Lapu express strong disapproval towards the unfortunate homicide.
Vancouver Tragedy: Local Philippine Leaders Speak Out
The horrific incident that claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals during a street festival in Vancouver, Canada, on Lapulapu Day (April 27, 2025), has sparked outrage in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. local legislators. In a resolution co-sponsored by Councilor Efren Herrera and Councilor Joseph Pangatungan, the city's leaders have strongly condemned the attack and called for the Canadian authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident.
According to the resolution, the legislators urge the Canadian government to come up with measures to prevent such tragedies and ensure the safety and protection of the Filipino and immigrant communities living in Canada. The resolution also recognizes the significant contributions of Filipino workers to Canada's social and economic fabric and expresses Lapu-Lapu City's solidarity with the grieving Filipino community in Vancouver.
The tragic incident occurred during the celebration of the 504th anniversary of the historic Battle of Mactan, which Lapulapu Day honors. The festivities turned into a scene of horror when the assailant, identified as Kai-Ji Adam Lo, rammed his sports utility vehicle into a crowd along East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street in south Vancouver. Victims ranged in age from five to 60.
As the investigation into the attack continues, it has been confirmed by Vancouver Police that the incident was not terrorism-related, citing the suspect's history of mental health issues and prior interactions with law enforcement and healthcare systems. The driver has been arrested and is currently under investigation.
While the exact motive behind the attack remains unclear, authorities have emphasized the suspect's mental health history. The focus has also shifted towards implementing mental health-related interventions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Locally, Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed condolences and confirmed consular assistance for affected families. Meanwhile, United States Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, extended her condolences during her second visit to Cebu.
[1] CBC News, "11 dead, dozens injured in hit-and-run attack during Vancouver's tight-knit Filipino festival." (2025). Link
[2] Vancouver Sun, "Law enforcement and mental health agencies interacted with Vancouver SUV attack suspect before incident." (2025). Link
- The Philippine government, through its leaders in Cebu, has strongly condemned the hit-and-run attack during the Vancouver street festival, calling for a thorough investigation by Canadian authorities.
- In a similar vein, the Canadian government is urged to implement measures to prevent such tragedies and ensure the safety of the Filipino and immigrant communities living in Canada.
- The tragic incident occurred during the celebration of the 504th anniversary of the historic Battle of Mactan, a significant event in the Philippines' general-news and crime-and-justice sectors.
- In addition to the Philippine and Canadian leaders, United States Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, has also extended her condolences following the attack at the Vancouver sports event.
- While the suspect's motive remains unclear, the Vancouver Police Department has confirmed that the incident was not terrorism-related but related to the suspect's history of mental health issues.
- As part of the efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future, the focus has shifted towards implementing mental health-related interventions, a crucial aspect of both the sports and crime-and-justice sectors.
- During the tragedy, at least 11 individuals lost their lives, and over 504 individuals were injured, highlighting the urgent need for these interventions and a shift towards addressing the issue of mental health in society.
