Thousands of Filipinos in Vancouver were celebrating Lapu-Lapu Day on Saturday, marking a defining moment in Philippine history, when tragedy struck - a vehicle drove into the crowd killing multiple people and injuring others.

A 30-year-old Vancouver man was arrested at the scene and the department’s Major Crime Section is overseeing the investigation, police said

To recognize this significant Filipino community, in 2023, British Columbia officially recognized April 27 as Lapu Lapu Day, a day that gives opportunity “to learn more about the history of people in British Columbia of Filipino heritage and to celebrate their contributions to the vibrancy and prosperity of the province.”