VANCOUVER — The Filipino B.C. organization is calling for more support for those affected by a vehicle-ramming attack that killed 11 people during the Lapu Lapu Day festival last spring. The tragedy, which occurred on April 26, has left a lasting impact on the community, and organizers say the response has been inadequate.

In a statement released on Friday, Filipino B.C. described the second annual festival as a celebration of cultural pride that ended in “unimaginable loss.” While the community has acknowledged the tragedy, the group noted that “the delivery of tangible support and resources has been slow and inconsistent.” They labeled the attack a “social disaster” and pointed out that it did not activate the usual emergency response protocols typically reserved for environmental disasters.

The organization emphasized that the aftermath of the attack has followed a disaster-like trajectory, resulting in trauma, long-term care needs, and widespread effects throughout the community. They highlighted that much of the support has come from community groups and the Kapwa Strong Fund, a collaboration with the United Way, along with contributions from community and corporate donors.

“Communities stepped in out of necessity; coordinating emergency and recovery programs, connecting people to trauma-informed, culturally sensitive care, and addressing gaps in the system through the facilitating of longer-term resources and social services,” the statement read. However, they cautioned that this support is not sustainable in the long run.

Filipino B.C. urged all levels of government to enhance their responses to the attack, particularly in a neighborhood they describe as “chronically underfunded and predominantly racialized.” The call for action follows the release of a final report by police and Vancouver’s mayor, which reviewed public safety at outdoor events in light of the attack.

The report confirmed that the Lapu Lapu Day festival adhered to all required safety protocols and made eight recommendations aimed at improving public safety. Filipino B.C. expressed gratitude for the review and looks forward to the prompt implementation of its recommendations.

Families affected by the attack are still grieving, with some survivors remaining hospitalized or in rehabilitation. Mayor Ken Sim referred to the incident as the “darkest day in the history of Vancouver” during a news conference. He acknowledged that no city can completely eliminate risks to public safety and that it is impractical to protect every event among the thousands held each year.

Sim also emphasized the need for increased provincial support for individuals facing mental health challenges, which he identified as the “root cause” of many public safety issues in the city. Adam Kai-Ji Lo, the individual accused of driving the SUV into the crowd, faces 11 counts of second-degree murder. He was reportedly under close observation by a Vancouver Coastal Health care team at the time of the incident.

The legal proceedings regarding Lo's mental fitness to stand trial are ongoing, with a publication ban currently in place on evidence from the hearings. A media consortium has challenged this ban, with decisions on both the ban and the fitness hearing expected on September 10.