Vancouver's Filipino community and allies are coming together in a display of solidarity following a car-ramming attack on Saturday that killed 11 people and injured dozens at a Lapu Lapu Day festival. Vigils and church services have drawn large crowds, reflecting the deep bonds within the community.
At a Sunday evening vigil organised by youth group Anakbayan BC and women's movement Gabriela BC, police had to move barriers to accommodate the crowd. Chelsea Brager of Anakbayan BC described the turnout as 'amazing' and a testament to the Filipino community's importance.
Earlier, St Mary the Virgin Anglican church overflowed with mourners. Father Expedito Farinas delivered a sermon drawing parallels between the tragedy and the biblical story of Thomas. Community members hugged, cried, and shared meals, with Jaela Villegas of Migrante BC noting the presence of other nationalities and religions, including a Palestinian who offered condolences.
RJ Aquino, chair of Filipino BC, which organised the festival, urged the community to draw on the 'bayanihan' spirit of collective resilience. 'We're going to have to call up that courage and strength,' he said at a press conference. The festival had celebrated the 1521 victory of Indigenous Filipinos over Spanish colonisers.
Maki Cairns of Gabriela BC recalled receiving frantic messages from people trying to reach loved ones, including from the US. She was relieved her mother had not attended. The attack has shaken the community, but leaders emphasise unity and mutual support in the aftermath.
