‘Senseless and cruel’: Philippine senators decry Vancouver SUV attack
MANILA, Philippines —Senators in the Philippines have condemned the car-ramming incident in Vancouver that claimed the lives of at least eleven people while they were celebrating the Lapu-Lapu Day festival.
Lawmakers extended their sympathies to the Filipino community in Canada following the tragic attack, urging swift action from local authorities.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this shocking and horrific incident, whose perpetrator and possible accomplices should be brought to justice and punished to the fullest extent of the law,” Senate President Francis Escudero said in a statement.
“There is no place in this world for such horrible acts of violence and I trust that the Canadian law enforcement agencies will leave no stone unturned to ensure that justice is served,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sen. Joel Villanueva lamented that what was supposed to be a happy day turned into a tragedy. He urged the Department of Migrant Workers to extend assistance to those affected by the incident.
"This heartbreaking incident marred what was meant to be a joyful celebration of Filipino culture and unity," Sen. Win Gatchalian said.
Sen. Grace Poe also called the incident “condemnable”, calling for an immediate investigation.
Minority Sen. Risa Hontiveros said that local authorities must work to ensure that justice is served for the victims.
“I condemn this act of senseless and cruel violence committed against people who were peacefully celebrating Filipino culture and heritage. My fervent prayers are with the families of those whose loved ones have been killed or injured, and with the entire Filipino Canadian community,” Hontiveros said.
Senators urged the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver to ensure that aid is extended to the survivors and the families of the victims.
“I urge our Philippine Consulate and other Embassy officials in Vancouver and Canada to extend all assistance possible to Filipino victims and their families and ensure that they are well taken cared of and for steps to be undertaken to prevent this from happening again in the future,” the Senate President said.
Canadian authorities have already apprehended the suspect, a 30-year-old man, identified as Kai-Ji Adam Lo, according to a report from The Associated Press. He faced eight counts of second-degree murder, with more charges possible.
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