Zarate, Migrante mourn Filipino victims in Vancouver festival tragedy

Former Bayan Muna Partylist Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate. | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of Atty. Kaloi Zarate

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Former Bayan Muna Partylist Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate expressed his profound sorrow for the Filipinos who lost their lives in an attack of the Lapulapu day festival in Vancouver, Canada as he  extended his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.

This developed as Filipino communities in Canada have declared a nationwide day of mourning as they  demand that justice be served to the victims.

READ: 9 confirmed dead as driver plows into crowd at Vancouver festival

“It is with heavy hearts that Bayan Muna acknowledges the significant number of Filipino fatalities and injuries in this devastating event,” Zarate said in a statement on Monday, April 28.

Zarate, who personally visited Vancouver in March 2017 to campaign against alleged abuses by Canadian mining companies operating in Mindanao, recalled the warmth and resilience of the Filipino community there.

“I remember the warmth and resilience of the Filipino community in Vancouver as they welcomed our delegation.  I witnessed their strong sense of unity and cultural pride,” the former House deputy minority leader said.

“To learn that so many Filipinos lost their lives in this senseless act of violence is truly heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who are now facing unimaginable pain,” he added.

Bayan Muna condemned the incident and called for a thorough and impartial investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

“We stand in solidarity with the Filipino-Canadian community and all those affected by this tragedy,” Zarate said. “We urge the authorities to provide all necessary support to the victims and their families during this difficult time.”

Authorities in Vancouver have confirmed that a driver plowed into a crowd during the festival held at a popular park in the city’s downtown area.

Local police reported at least 11 Filipino dead and more than a dozen injured.

The suspect, a 30-year-old man whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was arrested at the scene and is facing multiple charges, including vehicular homicide and reckless endangerment.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Philippine Ambassador Maria Andrelita Austria both issued separate statements expressing grief and vowing full support for the victims and their families.

“This tragedy underscores the need for greater safety measures during public events and a stronger commitment to preventing such acts of violence,” Zarate said.

In a separate statement, Migrante Canada also called on Filipino communities across Canada to hold “luksang bayan” (prayer vigil) in solidarity with the families of the victims.

Noting that the festival meant to celebrate Filipino resistance was met with tragedy, Migrante-Canada also demands “a full investigation and swift justice,” urging the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and the Consulate General in Vancouver to provide immediate support to the grieving Filipino families.

“Witnessing their sorrow underscores the horror of this event. Today is declared a day of mourning for Filipino communities and supporters nationwide,” the statement said.

Vancouver officials have since increased security protocols around major events as the investigation into the festival tragedy continues.