VANCOUVER – Today, the Filipino community and supporters in Vancouver will gather to honor and remember the victims of the tragic attack during the Lapu Lapu Day festival almost one year ago. This somber occasion will mark the anniversary of the event that led to the deaths of eleven individuals and left dozens more injured when an SUV drove through a crowded street near the festival's conclusion.
The Lapu Lapu Day of Togetherness will take place at the Italian Cultural Centre in East Vancouver. The venue was chosen by the organizing group, Filipino BC, in hopes of improving safety measures and creating a supportive environment for attendees. In a statement, Filipino BC acknowledged that some community members may feel it is too soon to come together again but emphasized that gathering is a vital component of the healing process.
The event is not without controversy. It has faced pushback from some survivors and relatives of the victims, including Alejandro Samper, who lost his mother, father, and sister in the attack. Samper has voiced concerns that the gathering could reopen old wounds for many who are still in mourning. Despite this opposition, Filipino BC reports a significant outpouring of support, with community members, leaders, first responders, and elected officials from various levels of government expressing their intention to attend.
Adam Kai-Ji Lo is facing serious legal consequences, with 11 charges of second-degree murder and 31 counts of attempted murder related to the April 26, 2025 attack, though a trial date has yet to be determined. Regarding safety measures, there will be a notable presence of Vancouver police officers at the event. Const. Darren Wong indicated that vehicle barriers will be established around the center to ensure safety during the gathering. Following the attack, law enforcement described last year's festival as a low-risk event, suggesting there was no indication it would be targeted for violence.
A report prepared for the provincial government by former B.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson recommended that all public events across the province, regardless of size, should undergo thorough risk assessments. The report also proposed the creation of a provincial events hub dedicated to sharing crucial information and advice concerning public safety during celebrations and other gatherings.
Filipino BC has stated that, while some individuals within the community have expressed their disapproval of the event, many share a contrasting perspective. The group expressed its gratitude for the strong support reflected in the anticipated attendance of community members and officials from municipal, provincial, and federal levels.
The free event's program is structured to focus on "reflection, remembrance, and community engagement" in the morning hours before transitioning to "connection, arts, and cultural expression" during the afternoon. Notably, Lapu Lapu Day is celebrated each April 27 and honors a Filipino national hero known for his victory over Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.
This report highlights the ongoing struggle for the Filipino community in Vancouver as they balance the pain of loss with the need for healing through unity and remembrance.
