Marcos: Lives lost at Vancouver Filipino festival will not be forgotten

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday said he had given specific instructions to Philippine diplomats and staff in Vancouver, Canada to extend all possible assistance to victims of the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party incident, which injured and killed several individuals.

In a second statement regarding the matter, Marcos said, “As your President and as a father, I share in your grief and anguish.”

“The lives lost will not be forgotten,” he also said.

Marcos added that Filipinos stand together in mourning, prayer, and support for those who became victims of an “unspeakable tragedy.”

“We will do everything in our power to bring comfort, to bring help, and to honor their memory with action,” he said.

“We have given specific instructions to our diplomats and staff in Vancouver to extend assistance to the victims and coordinate with Canadian authorities properly,” the president also said.

He then encouraged those concerned to stay calm but remain vigilant.

READ: Marcos ‘shattered’ upon hearing about Vancouver fatal incident

In an earlier statement, Marcos said he was “completely shattered” by the fatal incident in Vancouver.

“On behalf of the Philippine Government and the Filipino people, Liza and I would like to express our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and to the strong and thriving Filipino community in Canada,” Marcos said.

Nine people were confirmed dead, but their identities are yet to be disclosed.