Baryo HiFi Returns May 3 to Historic Filipinotown with Multigenerational Lineup, Expanded Marketplace, and Cultural Programming. The day after the Vancouver Lapu-Lapu Day Festival incident, police continue to secure the scene at East 41st Avenue.
Photo credit – Photo by A. Malabanan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.###
Two days after the tragedy that shattered Vancouver’s Lapu-Lapu Day Festival, new developments have emerged regarding the suspect, victims, and the Filipino-Canadian community’s steadfast resolve to heal and honor those lost. Across the city, prayer vigils, memorial gatherings, and community support efforts continue — each act a testament that even in profound sorrow, unity endures.
Suspect in Custody, More Charges Expected
Authorities confirmed that 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder in connection with the deadly vehicle-ramming attack that left 11 people dead and more than two dozen others injured.
Officials indicated that additional charges are anticipated, as several of the injured remain in critical condition.
Police emphasized that terrorism has been ruled out. Investigators revealed that Lo’s family had contacted a psychiatric facility hours before the incident, seeking emergency intervention amid concerns about his deteriorating mental state. Lo had prior encounters with law enforcement related to mental health issues, but no known extremist affiliations.
Following the attack, the British Columbia Ministry of Health confirmed that a total of 32 individuals had been hospitalized, including the 11 fatalities. As of Sunday, 17 remained hospitalized, with several still critically injured.
Authorities continue to appeal for witnesses as they reconstruct the final moments leading to the tragedy.
Honoring the Victims
The victims, whose ages ranged from 5 to 65 years, reflected the diverse group celebrating Filipino culture and heritage at the festival.
Among those lost was Clara “Kira” Ganapol Salim, a Brazilian artist and musician known for her contributions to Vancouver’s cultural scene. Filipino-Canadian families spanning multiple generations were profoundly affected.
“This loss is immeasurable,” said Vancouver Police Interim Chief Steve Rai. “We grieve alongside every family impacted and stand with them every step of the way.”
Filipino-Canadian Community Mobilizes
Amid grief, the Filipino-Canadian community has rallied together with an outpouring of support.
The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver has actively coordinated emergency assistance and issued advisories cautioning the public against fraudulent fundraising efforts.
Verified donation initiatives have been established through the Vancouver Foundation and the United Filipino-Canadian Council to ensure aid reaches victims and their families.
On Sunday evening, a prayer vigil was held at St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church, where attendees lit candles and offered prayers in both English and Tagalog in memory of the victims.
Organizers of the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival expressed profound sadness over what they described as a “senseless tragedy.” They encouraged those impacted to seek available mental health and victim support services provided by local agencies and the provincial government.
As Vancouver mourns, the Filipino community stands united: grieving, honoring memories, and finding strength in one another.
Even amid sorrow, the community remains resilient—remembering those lost and remaining true to the faith that unites them.
