ESCUDERO CONDEMNS ATTACK ON FILIPINOS IN CANADA

SENATE President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Sunday condemned the  attack committed against Filipinos holding a cultural celebration in Vancouver, Canada.

The car-ramming incident during the celebration for Lapu-Lapu Day had left 11 dead and at least 20 wounded.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this shocking and horrific incident,” Escudero said, calling the attack a “dastardly” act against Filipinos gathered for a peaceful celebration.

The Senate leader urged Canadian authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“I express my deepest sympathies and condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of this cowardly attack on Filipinos holding a peaceful festival in Vancouver,” Escudero said.

“What should have been a celebration of heroism and freedom by our race, in their new country that cherishes and defends it, has turned into a moment of despair,” he further said..

“But we are consoled by the fact that it is in times of darkness that we see the abundant kindness shine through by those who care: the first responders who rushed to aid, a nation expressing solidarity, and a global outpouring of affection,” he noted.

He said the perpetrator and possible accomplices in the tragic incident must be brought to justice and punished to the fullest extent of the law.

“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,” Escudero said.

The leader of the Senate also urged Philippine consular and embassy officials to provide immediate support to the victims and their families, while coordinating with Canadian authorities to prevent similar incidents.

“I urge our Philippine Consulate and Embassy officials to extend every possible assistance to our affected kababayans and to work closely with local authorities to help ensure the safety of our communities abroad,” Escudero said, adding that they must take steps to ensure that a similar incident will not happen again.

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said the incident happened shortly after 8pm on Saturday in the city’s Sunset on Fraser neighbourhood.

A sports utility vehicle (SUV) driven by a 30-year-old man plowed into a crowd of Filipinos celebrating the Lapu Lapu Day ‘25 Block Party’.

The crowd immediately held the 30-year-old male driver of the black SUV until the police arrived.