Vancouver's Filipino Community in Mourning After Tragic Festival Attack

Wed Oct 22 2025 08:58:21 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A joyful Filipino cultural festival in Vancouver turned into a scene of horror as a vehicle drove into the crowd, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

Following a devastating car attack at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver, the Filipino community is grappling with grief and anger. Despite the tragedy, community leaders emphasize resilience and unity in the face of such violence.

The Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver, originally intended to celebrate Filipino culture and pride, ended in tragedy as a man drove his SUV into the crowd, causing eleven fatalities, including the youngest victim at just five years old. The disaster left numerous attendees hospitalized and shattered the joy that filled the space just moments before. R. J. Aquino, chairman of the festival organizing group Filipino B.C., expressed the collective emotions of the community at a vigil attended by hundreds the following night, stating, “A lot of us are still numb. A lot of us are still angry, confused, sad, devastated.”

Witnesses to the incident, such as friends Roger Peralta and Bjorn Villarreal, recounted the horror they experienced, describing the loud bang and the sight of bodies being struck by the vehicle. Bjorn, overwhelmed by the chaos, attempted to follow the SUV in hopes of stopping it but soon found himself in a state of disbelief. Roger, grappling with the traumatic aftermath, shared how the memory haunts him, stating, “I have to stop and cry.”

In the face of such tragedy, both men emphasized the enduring spirit of the Filipino community, captured by the term Bayanihan, which represents a profound unity among Filipinos. They believe this cultural strength will help elevate their spirits despite their present pain.

British Columbia's Premier David Eby recognized the significant impact of the Filipino community in Canada, remarking, “You can’t go to a place that delivers care in our province and not meet a member of that community.” As a testament to their resilience, both Bjorn and Roger spoke of their commitment to supporting one another during this difficult time, although they feel a deep sense of betrayal that such a horrific act could occur in Canada.

Premier Eby voiced similar sentiments, acknowledging his anger but urging focus on solidarity with the Filipino community, stating, “This event does not define us and the Filipino community or that celebration.” As people gather to pay their respects with flowers and candles at makeshift memorials, the community is determined to heal and honor those lost in a moment that should have been filled with joy and celebration.