The president of the Filipino-Canadian Association of Cochrane Alberta (FCACA) says spreading hostility over the tragic deaths at a Lapu-Lapu Festival in Vancouver on Saturday isn't the answer.
Mila Prout, who has had a long career as a health-care professional, says it’s an extremely sad situation, and we should be praying for all those involved.
“It’s devastating, but we also need to understand that there are factors that contributed to that tragic event, and so we shouldn’t be hostile,” said Prout. “Instead of being hostile and spreading anger in the community, I’d say let’s just pray for everyone. Pray for the people who were involved and tragically died. Pray for the families left behind, and for the family of the person who committed this act, because they also need support and prayers.”
She believes mental health issues were at play and that it wasn’t racially motivated.
At this point, she’s uncertain if any members of the Cochrane Filipino community have lost family members in the tragedy.
Upon hearing the news, she quickly contacted her son and his family, who live in Vancouver. They did not attend the festival.
“I was thankful for that and reached out to my friends to see if any of their families were affected, and none of them are, so I’m thankful for that too.”
She says members of the FCACA will soon discuss whether to hold a mass or a vigil.
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In the meantime, Calgary’s Fiesta Filipino has announced that a solidarity vigil will be held at Calgary City Hall on Wednesday, April 30, at 5 p.m.
“We stand with the Filipino community in Vancouver during this time of sorrow,” their post reads. “Join us as we gather to honour the victims of the Lapu-Lapu Filipino Festival tragedy.
“Let’s come together in love, remembrance, and hope.”
Participants are asked to bring a candle, a prayer, and their hearts. Together, we heal.