The Vancouver man accused of murdering eight people by ploughing a vehicle into a crowded street celebration on Saturday night had been grappling for months with the impact of his brother's murder.

Both the Philippines and Canada are still reeling from the tragedy that occurred last April 27 during a street party celebrating the Filipino-Canadian community.

Community gatherings are taking place in Vancouver and around the region to support those devastated by the Lapu Lapu festival tragedy.