Vigil at Holland Park Remains Open Until May 5 for Tributes
On Wednesday, April 30, the Surrey community gathered at Holland Park to honor and remember the victims of the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival tragedy, where a devastating act of violence left 11 people dead and several more injured. The vigil, organized by local community groups Anakbayan BC & Surrey, Migrante BC, Canada-Philippines Solidarity for Human Rights, and Gabriela BC, offered a space for mourners to pay their respects and express solidarity.
A Place to Grieve and Reflect
The vigil, which will remain at the fountain in Holland Park until May 5, has become a hub for people to gather, reflect, and lay flowers in memory of the victims. The vigil was organized with the intention of providing a communal space for grieving, and to help the community heal. Anakbayan Surrey extended their gratitude to everyone who attended and invited anyone who wishes to contribute to the vigil or help maintain it to get in touch.
According to Anakbayan Surrey, “The Surrey community collectively grieved the unnecessary loss of lives and the injuries of friends and family from our very own neighbourhood and high schools.” Many attendees at the vigil have expressed how the event helped them connect with others and find comfort during this difficult time.
A Tragic Incident: Lives Lost and Families Affected
The incident took place on Saturday, April 26, when a vehicle drove through a crowd during the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival, killing 11 people and injuring at least two dozen others. Among those killed were seven women, two men, one non-binary person, and a five-year-old girl. The ages of the victims ranged from 22 months to 60 years old.
Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, was arrested at the scene and charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. He remains in police custody as investigations continue.
Calls for Accountability and Safety Reforms
Anakbayan Surrey is calling for accountability from the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) and the City of Vancouver, demanding a thorough investigation to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. In their statement, the group emphasized, “This is not just a matter of enforcement — it is a matter of trust, justice, and accountability.”
The group also stressed the importance of community-led initiatives, requesting better support for social services and the prevention of crimes at public events. “We call for corrective action and a thorough investigation for affected families to grieve and have adequate closure,” the statement read.
Government Response and Public Safety Measures
In response to the tragedy, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim announced that the City of Vancouver and the VPD would conduct an internal review of the events surrounding Lapu Lapu Day. This review will look into permitting, site safety, planning, emergency response, and steps to ensure safer future events. A preliminary report with updates will be shared in the coming weeks.
Additionally, Premier David Eby revealed that the provincial government is launching an independent safety commission to ensure the safety of public events in the future. Eby also suggested that a public inquiry could take place once criminal proceedings are completed.
Lapu Lapu Day: A Celebration with a Deeper Meaning
Lapu Lapu Day is an annual Filipino celebration honoring Datu Lapu-Lapu, the Indigenous resistance fighter who defeated Spanish forces led by Ferdinand Magellan in the 16th century. The tragedy at this year’s event has shocked the Filipino community and beyond, leading to calls for justice and safety reforms to prevent future incidents.
Similar vigils have been held at other locations, such as Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Surrey, to honor the victims and support the grieving families.
How You Can Help: Donations and Support
For those who wish to contribute to the ongoing efforts to support the victims’ families, GoFundMe has set up a hub for verified fundraising campaigns. One of these fundraisers supports the family of Rizza, one of the victims of the tragic event.
B.C. Government Declares Provincial Day of Remembrance
To further honor the victims, the B.C. government has declared Friday, May 2, as a provincial day of remembrance and mourning. This day will provide an opportunity for all British Columbians to reflect on the lives lost and support those affected by the attack.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for updates on the investigation and community efforts following this devastating event.
