N.L. Filipino community ‘devastated’ by deadly car-ramming attack at festival in Vancouver

The Filipino community in St. John’s, Newfoundland, was left in shock and anger after witnessing the tragic car-ramming attack at the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver. Coco Sangcopan and Katherine Salvador, volunteers with the N.L. Filipino-Canadian Organization Inc., expressed their devastation at the senseless act of violence that resulted in the deaths of 11 people and injured many others. The festival, which holds significance for Filipinos across the country, turned into a day of mourning instead of celebration.

Katherine Salvador, who hails from Lapu-Lapu City in the Philippines, where the festival commemorates a Filipino hero who fought against Spanish colonization, felt a personal connection to the event. She described her devastation at the turn of events, as the festival was meant to be a day of unity and joy for the community. Salvador shared that her husband’s aunt had a booth at the festival but left early, narrowly avoiding the tragedy.

Coco Sangcopan reached out to a community leader in British Columbia to offer condolences and express shock at the heartbreaking incident. She highlighted how the Filipino community in B.C. had been eagerly anticipating the festival as a time for fellowship and celebration, only for it to end in tragedy.

In response to the attack, the Filipino community in St. John’s is reevaluating their plans for an upcoming Independence Day celebration in June. Sangcopan mentioned the possibility of moving the event indoors and enhancing security measures to ensure the safety of attendees. Salvador emphasized the need for vigilance and caution at Filipino gatherings, which often include children and families.

The N.L. Filipino-Canadian Organization Inc. is organizing a mass and prayer vigil at St. Teresa’s Parish in St. John’s to honor the lives lost in Vancouver. They are inviting members of the community to join them in prayer and light candles in memory of the victims. The community is coming together to support one another during this difficult time.

As the Filipino community mourns the tragedy in Vancouver, they are reminded of the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity. The senseless act of violence has brought them closer together, as they stand in solidarity with their fellow Filipinos across the country.