The Province of British Columbia has declared Friday, May 2, 2025, an official day of remembrance and mourning for the victims of the tragedy at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver on April 26, 2025.
Eleven people were killed and dozens more injured while celebrating Filipino culture and history in a senseless attack at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver. As people learn more about the victims, they are also learning that the victims’ loss is felt deeply across the province.
This tragedy has had profound impact on the Filipino community in B.C. and many others in Vancouver and throughout the province.
The day of remembrance and mourning is an opportunity for people in British Columbia to come together, grieve the loss of innocent lives and recognize the contributions the victims made to their communities and the province. It is also a time to offer comfort to all of those impacted, including those who have lost loved ones, those recovering and those who witnessed the horrific scene, and to offer deep appreciation to community partners, the police, paramedics and those working at the hospitals for their dedicated service at a trying time. Hundreds of volunteers and community members are also stepping up to help at a trying time.
A backgrounder follows.
Backgrounders
Updated on Friday, May 2, 2025
People in British Columbia impacted by the tragic events at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day Festival can access the following supports:
- Anyone who witnessed or experienced trauma at the event is encouraged to access resources through the VPD Victim Services Unit: 604 717-3321 and VictimLinkBC: call or text 1 800 563-0808, or email 211-victimlinkbc@uwbc.ca to be connected to services that can help, including counselling resources. For details, visit: https://victimlinkbc.ca/
- ICBC supports are available for people who have been injured, as well as witnesses and the family members of those killed, including counselling. For more information, visit: https://icbc.com/about-icbc/newsroom/2025-04-27-lapu-lapu-tragedy
- B.C.’s crisis line at 310-6789 (no area code needed) is available for anyone who needs mental-health supports. Crisis lines provide immediate support in the moment, as well as connections to ongoing supports.
- Crime Victim Assistance Program benefits are available to victims, immediate family members and witnesses: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/if-you-are-a-victim-of-a-crime/victim-of-crime/financial-assistance-benefits
- School districts are also taking action to support students, staff and families, including making more counsellors available. A list of resources has also been sent out to districts throughout the province to provide to students and their families looking for support.
- Supports are available for first responders and health-care workers who are on the front lines, and we encourage all workers to reach out to their employers and/or unions if they are struggling.
- BC Emergency Health Service’s (BCEHS) Critical Incident Management Stress team is providing mental-health and wellness support to employees who have been affected by these events in addition to the support provided by BCEHS leaders and supervisors.
- Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) staff and medical staff can contact the VCH Employee and Family Assistance Program to access confidential counselling and wellness any time, 24/7.
- Immediate and confidential services of Fraser Health Employee and Family Assistance Program are accessible 24/7/365 by calling 1 844 880-9142. Members of the traumatic-event support team are available to support by accessing the same toll-free number.
- Teams or individuals may also contact Fraser Health’s Critical Incident Stress Management team at 778 717-CISM.
- Mobile community support centre at 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street. Organized by the Vancouver Police.
- Resilience centre at Killarney Secondary School from May 1-3, 2025. Organized by Filipino BC.
- Kids Help Phone: Coping with tragedy: Call 1 800 668-6868 or text 686868 (24/7). For more information, visit: https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/coping-tragedy/
- National Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988. For more information, visit: https://988.ca/
- BC Suicide Prevention and Intervention Line: Call 1 800 784-2433. For more information, visit: https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/resource/1-800-suicide-0
- B.C.’s bereavement and grief support line: Call 1 877 779-2223 (Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.). For more information, visit: https://bcbh.ca/
- Philippine consulate in Vancouver hotlines:
The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) is working closely with the City of Vancouver and meeting with Filipino BC, the Vancouver Emergency Management Agency (VEMA), the Red Cross, United Way and other partners to identify further supports required.
Those wishing to sign the book of condolences for victims of this tragedy can visit the Hall of Honour at the B.C. legislature or visit: https://submit.digital.gov.bc.ca/app/form/submit?f=f4944988-5402-45a8-bb9c-7b2a95f928d9
https://news.gov.bc.ca/32297
Office of the Premier
