Canadian PM Mark Carney: Devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver earlier this evening

Canadian PM Mark Carney: Devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver earlier this evening

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed his devastation over the horrific events that unfolded at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver earlier this evening. The incident, which occurred during the annual celebration of Filipino culture, resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries after a driver deliberately plowed into a crowd with an SUV [1].

The festival, held annually to celebrate Filipino heritage and the resilience of the Filipino community, was taking place in the Sunset neighbourhood of Vancouver when the incident occurred. The event, which honours Datu Lapu-Lapu, the Philippines' first national hero, attracts large crowds each year [2].

Prime Minister Carney, in a statement released shortly after the incident, expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the broader Filipino community. "I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver," he said. "Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives and those who were injured. This is a dark day for Canada."

The driver of the SUV has been taken into custody, and authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attack. The exact number of casualties has not yet been disclosed, but initial reports suggest that several people were killed and multiple others were injured [3].

The incident has cast a dark shadow over what is usually a joyful celebration of Filipino culture. The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) has confirmed that the situation is being thoroughly investigated, and more details will be provided as the investigation progresses.

The Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, part of the city’s Filipino cultural celebrations, is an annual event celebrated with fervour in the community. Recognized as Lapu-Lapu Day by the province of British Columbia since 2023, the festival honours Datu Lapu-Lapu, an indigenous Visayan chieftain who famously led the victory against Spanish colonizers in the 1521 Battle of Mactan.

The tragic event has left the community in shock and has prompted expressions of grief and solidarity from various political figures, including Jagmeet Singh, the leader of the National Democratic Party, and Don Davies, a New Democratic MP who tweeted about the "horrendous attack" and offered prayers for the victims and their families [1].

As the investigation continues, the Canadian government has pledged its support to the families of the victims and the Filipino community. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of security measures at large public events and the need for vigilance in the face of potential threats.

References:
[1] https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/jagmeet-singh-horrified-after-lapu-lapu-car-ramming-incident-days-before-canada-election-101745730234690.html
[2] https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/world/lapu-lapu-festival-in-vancouver-suv-crashed-crowd-canada-1.10543220
[3] https://bnonews.com/index.php/2025/04/suv-hits-crowd-lapu-lapu-festival-in-vancouver-bc/