Lapu Lapu suspect moved to another jail following death threats: source

Friday is a provincial day of mourning to remember the 11 people who were killed at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver last weekend.

The day of mourning comes on the same day the suspect in the case, 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, made his first appearance in court.

2:55 Lapu Lapu festival tragedy memorial held on provincial day of mourning

The British Columbia Prosecution Service said Lo’s lawyer requested the appearance be moved ahead from the previously scheduled date of May 26.

Lo faces eight charges of second-degree murder, and police have said more charges are expected.

Vice Consul Marco Frederick B. Harder, the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, told Global News he attended the court appearance so he could update the president in Manila and the victim’s families.

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Prior to the hearing, Global News learned Lo had been transported to another jail because of multiple death threats.

2:02 First-responders pay respects at growing Lapu Lapu Day memorial

He appeared via video from jail and was quiet and looking around during submissions.

While a publication ban covers the majority of Friday’s proceedings, Judge Reg Harris has ordered a mental health assessment to determine if Lo is unfit to stand trial.

That assessment will take place in custody by mental health professionals.

1:34 New questions surround investigation of Lapu Lapu Day suspect Adam Lo

A statement from the province said the day of mourning is an opportunity to grieve the lives that were lost and offer support to those who lost loved ones in the horrific tragedy.

Memorial events took place across the province, including a mass at the Holy Rosary Cathedral in downtown Vancouver.

Many small vigils remain in place near the scene of the incident, where 11 were killed and dozens injured after an SUV drove into a crowd at East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street last Saturday, with people stopping by to pay their respects.

“We are with the forensics unit and we’ve been working on this horrendous tragedy since it happened and this is the first chance we had to basically step back and come here and pay our respects to the families,” Vancouver police Sgt. Kam Mahinsa told Global News.

-with files from Rumina Daya