NANAIMO — While tears were shed, signs of hope were abundantly clear at a Nanaimo candle-light vigil in support of those reeling from horrific violence at a Vancouver Filipino street festival.
Michael Soja, a member of the Nanaimo Filipino community, organized a public event on Saturday, May 3 at the BC General Employees’ Union office parking lot on Nanaimo’s Terminal Ave.
Roughly 150 people were on hand in response to eleven people killed and several others injured last Saturday evening after a driver rammed through East Vancouver’s Lapu-Lapu Day festival.
“The language of love is spoken through action, and as I look out here today and see my fellow community members coming together to combat this tragedy with love — I feel comfort, I feel like I can breathe again,” an emotional Soja told the assembled crowd.
A crowd dotted with Canadian and Filipino flags was on hand at the vigil, which included an opening address from Pastor Harrison Ayre of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)At a time when Soja felt lost for words, he said being supported by people who care about what their community is going through is greatly appreciated.
“Through organizing this vigil, I learned so much about myself, my community, my heritage and my cause. I discovered that the only way to feel safe again is not alone, but together.”
Soja told NanaimoNewsNOW while their community remains deeply hurt, they feel uplifted by the community’s response.
“It has been an incredible flood of support; every single part of the community has come together. It really shows both the Filipino community and the Nanaimo community how much support we actually have together.”
A formal event was of paramount importance, Soja said, to offer a central place for their community to support each other and also check in on those still struggling to process what happened.
Attendees held candles and signed a book of condolences, as dozens of local Filipino community members gathered in clusters in the parking lot.
Esther Reyes, a Nanaimo Filipino resident, said the violence unleashed last weekend has been met with overwhelming sadness and confusion.
“It’s heart-breaking, I feel so sad about what happened. Why is this happening in our country?”
Reyes said there are so many unanswered questions.
“It’s really hard to understand why this happened. Filipinos are welcoming people and family-oriented,” she said.
Referencing the suspect appears to have severe mental health issues, Reyes said the east Vancouver incident highlights the importance of connecting with and trying to help people who are struggling.
Several elected leaders addressed the gathering, including Nanaimo-Ladysmith member of parliament-elect Tamara Kronis, who individually named the deceased.
“We honour the victims by saying their names, by remembering their stories, and refusing to let violence define us,” Kronis said.
The B.C. government declared Friday, May 2 an official day of remembrance and mourning for victims of the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy.
Adam Kai-Ji Lo, 30, is charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, however, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) has stated more charges may result as their investigation progresses.
The VPD doesn’t believe the incident was a targeted attack, or an act of terror, but rather an “indiscriminate” act of violence.
On Friday, a judge approved an in-custody mental health assessment for Lo to determine if he’s fit to stand trial.
A United Way B.C. fundraising campaign will deliver 100 per cent of donations to support immediate needs, such as counselling services, for those impacted by the Lapu-Lapu festival tragedy.
Nanaimo-Gabriola Island MLA Sheila Malcolmson signs a book of condolences on Saturday, May 3. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)Subscribe to our daily news wrap. Local news delivered to your email inbox every evening. Stay up to date on everything Nanaimo and Oceanside.
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