Sara condemns Vancouver festival attack, calls for accountability

Vice President Sara Duterte strongly condemned the attack on a Filipino street festival in Vancouver over the weekend that left at least 11 people dead.

The incident resulted in deaths and injuries when a driver intentionally rammed into festival-goers during the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, with Canadian prosecutors charging a 30-year-old Vancouver resident with murder for the killings.

Duterte expressed her condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this act of violence and called for full accountability under Canadian law.

She thanked the Canadian government, Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, and Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver for their support and assistance to Filipino Canadians during this difficult time.

The suspect has a history of mental health issues but investigations have ruled out terrorism as the motive.

The Department of Migrant Workers is ready to provide necessary assistance and support to victims in line with its mandate to ensure safety and wellness of Overseas Filipino Workers.