3 PH senators back swift, thorough probe into Canada car attack

Vancouver police secure the scene after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday April 26, 2025. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

MANILA,  Philippines — Three senators on Monday called for a thorough and swift investigation into the Vancouver incident in which 11 people were killed after a sports utility vehicle (SUV) plowed into a Filipino festival in Canada.

This is to ensure that justice is served, “with hopes of preventing such incidents in the future,” according to Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic events that took place during the Lapu-Lapu Day celebration in Vancouver,”  Pimentel said  in a statement.

“We grieve alongside our kababayans abroad, and we offer our support to those affected by this heart-wrenching tragedy,”  he added.

Like Pimentel, Sens. Loren Legarda and Sherwin Gatchalian also backed a swift and thorough investigation into the attack reportedly carried out by the suspect later identified as 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo.

READ: Canada car attack suspect had mental health issues, 11 dead

Driving a black Audi SUV, Lo reportedly plowed into a crowd of Filipino communities celebrating the Lapu Lapu Day in Vancouver’s Sunset on Fraser neighborhood over the weekend.

Murder charges have already been filed against the suspect, who was said to have a history of mental health issues.

READ: Eight counts of murder for Canada car attack suspect

“Lapu Lapu Day is a symbol of courage, unity, and resilience — values that must inspire us to stand together against hatred and violence. We call on the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and to bring justice to all those affected,” Legarda said in a separate statement.

“In this time of sorrow, we stand with the Filipino community and the people of Vancouver. We honor those we have lost by renewing our commitment to peace, unity, and respect for all,” she further said.

Gatchalian echoed his colleagues’ sentiments, noting how this “heartbreaking incident marred what was meant to be a joyful celebration of Filipino culture and unity.”

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families, and the Filipino community in Canada,” he said. “Kaagapay ninyo kami sa inyong pagdadalamhati at buong suporta nating hinihiling ang mabilis at masusing imbestigasyon upang mapanagot ang may sala.”

(My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families, and the Filipino community in Canada. We stand with you in your time of grief, and we fully support a swift and thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable.)