Vancouver consulate readies Pinoys’ repatriation
PEOPLE gather at the makeshift memorial near the site where a car drove into a crowd during the Lapu-Lapu Festival on 28 April in Vancouver, British Columbia. A 30-year-old man was detained after driving his car into the crowd at a Filipino street festival on 26 April, resulting in at least 11 deaths and multiple injuries.
AGENCE FRANCE/PRESSE
The Philippine consulate in Vancouver is preparing to repatriate the remains of the Filipinos killed in the 26 April vehicle attack at a Filipino street festival.
Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita Austria said the embassy was also monitoring the condition of the Filipinos who were injured when an SUV barreled through the Lapu-Lapu Day block party.
“The consulate is currently facilitating the repatriation of the remains of the Filipino nationals who lost their lives and is in close coordination with the families of the victims,” Austria said.
Eleven people were killed in the incident, but not all the victims were Filipinos or Filipino-Canadians. The suspect, identified as Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, was arrested at the scene and charged with eight counts of second-degree murder.
The embassy also warned against individuals claiming to be victims soliciting donations.
“The public is strongly advised to be cautious of individuals or groups falsely claiming to be victims or soliciting donations. Please ensure that any donations or assistance are directed to verified organizations or individuals,” the embassy statement read.