A day intended for reflection and remembrance has exposed deep rifts within the Filipino community in Vancouver as they marked the anniversary of the tragic Lapu Lapu incident. The event, held at the Italian Cultural Centre on Sunday, aimed to honour the memory of the 11 individuals who lost their lives in a horrific vehicle attack last year. However, it became a focal point for dissent as dozens of protesters gathered, voicing their concerns over the organisation and timing of the memorial.
A Divided Community
Tensions were palpable as security measures were heightened at the event, with barriers separating participants from demonstrators. Many attendees expressed their discontent, including Jenny De Guzman and Rodel Sico, parents of victim Jendhel May Sico, who felt that the memorial was premature and more beneficial to the organising body, Filipino BC, than to the families affected.
“It’s too soon for such an event,” Sico lamented. “They didn’t even consult the families of the deceased or the injured.” De Guzman echoed these sentiments, stating that her attempts to seek financial assistance from Filipino BC had yielded little more than an $800 gift card, leaving her feeling neglected. “They haven’t responded to my email. They don’t even help anymore,” she added, highlighting the lack of support from the organisation.
Calls for Accountability
Former volunteers like Sandra Gumbo, who helped with last year’s event, expressed frustration at the perceived hypocrisy of Filipino BC. Gumbo argued that the organisation was using the guise of unity and healing to fundraise rather than genuinely supporting the affected families.
RJ Aquino, the leader of Filipino BC, defended the event, asserting it was not a festival but a solemn occasion for reflection. He stated his group’s commitment to transparency regarding financial distributions, which are channelled through the United Way. “I can’t imagine the grief and frustration that people directly impacted must feel,” he acknowledged, urging families to engage with Filipino BC to discuss their concerns.
Community Support Initiatives
In the wake of the tragedy, Filipino BC partnered with the British Columbia United Way to establish the Kapwa Strong Fund, which has reportedly raised approximately $1.5 million. This fund is intended to provide counselling, mental health services, and essential support for victims and their families. Aquino indicated that grants from this fund have been allocated to various organisations dedicated to helping those affected, including the Alliance Philippines Cultural Heritage Association and B.C.’s bereavement helpline.
Despite these efforts, some community members, such as protester Lailani Tumaneng, voiced that many families remain unaware of the resources available to them. She noted the overwhelming challenge of navigating bureaucratic processes to access support. “Many victims’ families don’t have the energy or time to keep calling case managers for financial support,” Tumaneng explained. Aquino acknowledged these difficulties, asserting that local and provincial governments should play a more significant role in providing long-term assistance to those impacted by mass-casualty events.
Ensuring Safety and Future Preparedness
As the event unfolded, it was evident that the shadow of last year’s tragedy loomed large. Adam Kai-Ji Lo, accused of 11 counts of second-degree murder and 31 counts of attempted murder