Marcos ‘shattered’ by deadly incident at Filipino festival in Vancouver

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Sunday sympathized with the families of the victims after a driver plowed into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, Canada, leaving at least 11 dead.

In a statement, Marcos said the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver is now working with Canadian authorities to ensure the thorough investigation of the incident, which happened around 8 p.m. on Saturday Vancouver time, and that the victims and their families are given support and consoled.

“I am completely shattered to hear about the terrible incident during a Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, BC, Canada,” he said.

“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 happened as the Filipino community in Vancouver celebrated Lapu Lapu in remembrance of indigenous chief Lapulapu who led the defeat of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in a battle in 1521.

“We are one with the families of the victims and the Filipino community in Vancouver during this difficult time,” Marcos said.

In a later statement, he added, "On a day meant to honor the courage of Lapu-Lapu, our kababayans in Vancouver became victims of an unspeakable tragedy.

"As your President, and as a father, I share in your grief and your anguish.

"These lives will not be forgotten."

Canadian authorities said a lone male suspect has been taken into custody. At least nine people have been confirmed dead, with the police earlier declining to provide exact numbers as victims were taken to multiple hospitals in the region.

For its part, the Philippine Consulate General expressed concern over the incident, as it said it is praying that the community remains strong and resilient. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA Integrated News