Dozens came to the vigil in memory of Jimboy Adao. His mom, Imelda Adao, could not hold back her tears while talking to the crowd that gathered to pray, offer flowers and light candles for the 17 year old boy who died exactly one year ago in a violent home invasion. She called out to the government to immediately resolve the safety problems in the community and protect the families from crime.
204 Neighbourhood Watch Inc. organized the event which started with a walk from Bannatyne Ave going to Mc Gee. The walk was meant to show to the people that what happened to Jimboy is not forgotten. One of the group’s volunteers said that many parents in the Filipino community still have the fear, every time they are to go home from work, if the children in their house are still alive.
204 Neighbourhood Watch Inc. Founder Leila Castro explained to the media networks that were present, that gathering together to commemorate a person’s one year death anniversary is a Filipino tradition called Babang Luksa. “It also marks the end of the period of mourning for the dead loved one. But for the case of Jimboy, our community will continue grieving while justice is not served and while the city’s safety situation has not improved,” said Leila.
Politicians MP for Central Winnipeg Leah Gazan, MLA for Notre Dame Malaya Marcelino, and School Trustee Jennifer Chen also came to comfort the family members of Jimboy.
