Man who lost entire family in Lapu-Lapu attack presses Filipino BC about donation

Posted by ReyFort Media

April 14, 2026

Filipino BC

Via Email

Dear RJ Aquino (Chairperson), Board of Directors and Staff of Filipino BC,

Subject: Questions Regarding the Kapwa Strong Fund and Use of Tragedy-Related Donations

I am writing as someone who suffered a terrible loss in the Lapu-Lapu Day festival you organized on April 26, 2025.

Nothing will ever bring back my dad Daniel, mom Glitza Maria, and sister Glitza Daniela, whose lives were taken on that day.

I note that the public supported fundraising efforts following the tragedy with the shared understanding that donations would provide timely and direct support to victims and their families.

Many donors, including individuals, small businesses, and community groups, gave to the Kapwa Strong Fund and also directly to Filipino BC during a time of grief and urgency. The common understanding was that these funds would go directly to victims.

I also note that a number of questions previously raised by former directors, community members, and affected individuals regarding funds related to the Lapu-Lapu tragedy remain unanswered. Responses to date appear to avoid direct and complete answers to straightforward questions. This has created a growing sense within the community that concerns are being deflected rather than addressed. This undermines trust, especially given the sensitive and emotional context in which these funds were raised.

I raise and reiterate these concerns because the issue is not only financial. It is about trust. Many are asking whether funds given in a moment of crisis were used in the way people believed they would be used.

I am also aware that Filipino BC plans to host a Lapu-Lapu Day event on April 19, 2026. Given the serious and unresolved concerns outlined above and by other community members, I respectfully question whether it is appropriate for this event to proceed at this time. For many victims and families who are still grieving and recovering, such an event opens wounds rather than healing. On their behalf, I ask you to pause the event this year out of respect to survivors and victims’ families.

There is also growing concern that, without clear answers about how past funds were used, future events may be seen as opportunities to collect further donations and sponsorships without the level of transparency that the community now expects. This creates a perception that the pain of victims and the goodwill of the community may be used in ways that do not fully align with their original intent.

In these circumstances, I respectfully urge Filipino BC to reconsider proceeding with the April 19 event until full transparency has been provided and community concerns have been meaningfully addressed. 

Sincerely,

Alejandro Samper

info@sampercaicedolegacy.com

778-231-0567