MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-American music artist Apl.de.Ap expressed his heartbreak online following the car attack that killed 11 people at the Filipino Lapu-Lapu festival held in Vancouver, Canada.
In a Facebook post, the Black Eyed Peas (BEP) member shared how he and Filipino-American singer Rey Soul had just finished performing at the event before the incident took place.
J. Rey Soul is a Filipino-American singer known for participating in the first season of The Voice of the Philippines
“J-Rey and I had just finished and left the stage minutes before it happened. It’s hard to describe the shock and heaviness we feel,” he said.
While many are mourning, he encouraged everyone to continue praying for love and strength for the victims, their families, and the organizers of the event.
“The one thing I have noticed — from the audience to the messages sent around — is the sense of community that wraps its loving, loving arms around us. We love you all,” he ended.
The artist also shared links where people can donate and express their support, as well as self-care lines for those mentally affected and traumatized by the tragedy.
Meanwhile, Filipino comedian Jo Koy also expressed his sorrow on Instagram as he mourned those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
“I am heartbroken to hear what took place at the Vancouver Filipino Festival. This is supposed to be an event that honors and celebrates our beautiful culture, and now we’re mourning the loss of 11 lives that were taken too soon,” the entertainer expressed.
On Saturday, April 26, a crowd at a block party celebrating Lapu-Lapu Day was suddenly rammed by a dark SUV, resulting in more than 20 individuals critically injured and 11 confirmed deaths.
The driver of the vehicle is identified as Ka-Ji Adam Lo, a 30-year-old Vancouver resident with history of “mental health issues.” The government of British Columbia has charged him with eight counts of second-degree murder, and “further charges” are anticipated. – with reports from Kevin Ian Lampayan/Rappler.com
Kevin Ian Lampayan is a Rappler intern studying Bachelor of Arts in Literary and Cultural Studies at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.