President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Sunday said the government is working with Canada to investigate the fatal Filipino street fest in Vancouver, which left at least nine people dead.
In a statement, he said the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver is coordinating with Canadian authorities to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident, which occurred around 8 p.m. Saturday (Vancouver time).
He added that efforts are underway to provide support and assistance to the victims and their families.
“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,” he added.
The incident occured during a gathering of Filipinos in Vancouver to celebrate Lapu-Lapu, the indigenous chief who led the defeat of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.
A male suspect has been taken into police custody, the Vancouver Police reported in an X post.
It confirmed that at least nine people died after the man drove through a crowd at the block party. – Chloe Mari A. Hear
