The Canadian flag will be flown at half-mast at all city buildings until further notice to honor the car ramming victims of the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, the local government says Sunday (April 27, 2025). The city extended its deepest condolences to the Filipino community and all those impacted by the tragedy. (Photo courtesy of City of Vancouver FB)
Members of the House of Representatives on Monday expressed their heartfelt grief and solidarity with the Filipino community in Vancouver, Canada, following a tragic car-ramming incident during a Lapu-Lapu Day celebration.
In a statement, Speaker Martin Romualdez reassured Filipinos in Canada that the Philippine government is mourning alongside them and stands ready to offer assistance.
“Our hearts are with the Filipino community in Vancouver today,” Romualdez said. “As Speaker of the House, I want our kababayan (compatriots) in Canada to know: Hindi kayo nag-iisa (You are not alone). We grieve with you, and we are here to help in any way we can.”
The incident occurred on Saturday night when 30-year-old Vancouver resident Kai-Ji Adam Lo drove a sports utility vehicle into a crowd, resulting in the deaths of 11 people, as of this report.
Romualdez urged Philippine consular officers in Canada to “act swiftly” to ensure that Filipinos receive the necessary “support, protection, and justice.” He also called on Canadian authorities to “reinforce measures that guarantee the safety of everyone, particularly the Filipino community.”
House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega condemned the “senseless act of violence” and expressed solidarity with Filipino-Canadians in their mourning.
“We mourn alongside our Filipino-Canadian brothers and sisters. We stand united in grief and prayer for the victims of this senseless act,” Ortega said. “No celebration of our identity, heroes, and heritage should ever be tarnished by such violence. The Lapu-Lapu Day festival symbolizes Filipino courage and resilience, and that spirit will remain unbroken.”
Ortega called on Filipinos around the world to respond with unity and strength: “In this moment of darkness, we must shine brighter. Let us honor the memories of those we lost by continuing to celebrate the vibrant culture they gathered to uphold. Let us stand together with hope, solidarity, and unwavering pride.”
The Lapu-Lapu Day festival, celebrated for only the second year, honors the bravery of Datu Lapu-Lapu, the 16th-century Filipino chieftain who resisted Spanish colonization. In 2023, British Columbia officially designated April 27 as Lapu-Lapu Day to recognize the cultural contributions of Filipino-Canadians.
In response to the attack, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s instructions, is prepared to offer assistance to those affected. The Migrant Workers Office in Vancouver is working closely with the Philippine Consulate General and Canadian authorities.
For immediate assistance, the DMW has provided the following hotlines: +1 604 653 5858 (Assistance-to-Nationals Hotline), +1 604 767 3354 (Migrant Workers’ Office), and +1 800 563 0808 (Vancouver Police Victim Support). Families in the Philippines can contact the DMW-OWWA Hotline at 1348 or email orcc@dmw.gov.ph.
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) also expressed condolences and confirmed that it is actively monitoring the situation.
“The CFO stands in solidarity with the Filipino-Canadian community during this difficult time,” said CFO Secretary Dante Ang II, also expressing gratitude for the swift response from Vancouver’s emergency responders.
