Lapu Lapu Day festival vendor echoes calls for better safety measures

A former chief justice of the B.C. Supreme Court will head up a commission on event safety after 11 people were killed at a Vancouver festival.

Anroe Aseron was running his food truck at the Lapu Lapu Day festival on April 26 when tragedy struck. Two of his customers that evening were hit when a driver sped through the crowd; one of them was among the 11 who died in the attack.

“It was terrible and terrifying, especially to see the aftermath of blood and people lying on the ground, it’s a wake up call,” said Aseron on Wednesday.

The province had a wake up call of sorts too. On Wednesday, Premier David Eby announced details of a public safety commission ordered because of the tragedy. It’s being headed up by former B.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson. The commission’s recommendations are expected by June 30.

“Best practices that are applicable, that can be used by community event organizers across the province to maximize safety but not retreat from the fact that we all have to get together and celebrate, we all have to have a good time,” said Eby, describing the purpose of the review.

The review will consider measures including traffic control, event perimeter security, deployment of security and access for first responders.

“Take a look at best practices around the world to have really good decisions with local decision-makers and police officers about what that standard should be,” said Attorney General Niki Sharma, describing the scope of the review.

Aseron had his food truck set up in Victoria’s inner harbour Wednesday – coincidentally right next to where Eby made the announcement – and felt compelled to share his message.

“I told him that it could have been prevented,” said Aseron.

In the wake of the Lapu Lapu Day attack, another Filipino festival in Ottawa that set for the May long weekend has been cancelled, with organizers citing logistical safety concerns and a sense of anxiety in the community.

The provincial government in B.C. says festivals should go ahead, even before the review is done.

“Festivals are safe in B.C.,” said Sharma. “This one incident we need to look closely at, but I want to assure everybody that local law enforcement and the security planning are there for you.”

Aseron said he’s not deterred from attending future events, but will personally get invovled in ensuring they’re safe. He’s still having a hard time sleeping after Lapu Lapu Day.

“I actually parked my truck in front of my stand just for that extra protection,” he said. “So, safety-wise, I knew it was lacking, and that’s where the guilt comes in.”