DMW condoles with kin of victims in Vancouver Filipino festival attack

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) conveyed Monday its condolences to the families of the victims of the horrific attack at the Lapu-Lapu Day Filipino festival in Vancouver, Canada that left at least 11 people dead.

"As we await further details about the incident, we ask for prayers of healing, safety, comfort, solidarity, and justice for those affected by this unspeakable tragedy," the DMW said.

"Our fervent thoughts and prayers are with our Filipino community in Vancouver. We stand with them and Canadians in this time of grief," the DMW added.

The suspect of the gruesome incident, a 30-year-old Vancouver resident Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has been charged by authorities on Monday, Manila time.

The agency also said that it stands ready to provide all the necessary assistance and support to the victims of the incident in line with its mandate to ensure the safety and wellness of Overseas Filipino Workers.

"Rest assured, the DMW through its Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Vancouver is now in close coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs through the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, as well as Canadian authorities to monitor the situation and well-being of the victims and their families," the DMW said.

The agency also provided the following numbers for immediate assistance and support:

• Assistance-to-Nationals Hotline: +1 604 653 5858
• Migrant Workers' Office Hotline: +1 604 767 3354
• Vancouver Police Department Victim Support: +1 800 563 0808
• For families of OFWs in Vancouver and Western Canada , the DMW-OWWA Hotline 1348.

— Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA Integrated News