The Bermuda Police Service are committed to “very focused investigations” into the deaths of two Filipino people who died tragically last month, the Commissioner of Police said yesterday.

During a vigil in memory of Ryan Cortez and Antonieta Pascua, who died in separate incidents, Darrin Simons said inquiries will “search for the truth and bring justice”.

He gave the assurance at a candlelight vigil at Victoria Park in memory of Mr Cortez, 42, who died from a serious head injury when a contractor was carrying out a chicken-culling exercise in Pembroke three weeks ago.

The event, which was attended by a few dozen people, also celebrated the life of Ms Pascua, 57, a pedestrian who succumbed to her injuries after being struck by a car in Hamilton on October 4.

Attending with Acting Detective Superintendent Jason Smith, Mr Simons said the issues that affect the Filipino community “are just as important as any other issue”.

Mr Simons said: “I want you to know that we stand with you in these tragic losses.

“In the space of a couple of weeks you have lost two members of your community. That’s a difficult loss for any community.”

He said the police are committed to keeping the families of Mr Cortez and Ms Pascua informed about the investigations, which he noted “are still fresh”.

Mr Simons offered a prayer at the event and urged attendees to share any information they may have to support the police inquiries.

He added: “Or even more broadly, any kind of events where you may be experiencing victimisation or you know someone experiencing such, to come forward.

“We are here to receive that information and act responsibly with it.

“We, just like the broader community in Bermuda, want to make the Filipino community safer here in Bermuda.”

Ryan De Jesus, the president of the Association of Filipinos in Bermuda, said attendees felt encouraged by the words of support.

He said: “It’s overwhelming to see the Commissioner of Police here tonight.

“I really wanted to hear from him and for the community to feel reassured that justice will be served for these two tragic events that affected us all.

“When we saw him here tonight, we were really happy and it was like a very big deal for us.

“I have heard from other Filipinos here tonight and they said they were very happy to see him here.”

Mr De Jesus said he was also impressed by the turnout at the event, despite rainy conditions threatening the vigil.

During the event, Jane Silva, a sibling of Ms Pascua, grew emotional when she recounted the life of her sister.

Some attendees also broke down in tears when remarks from Julie Cortez, the wife of the late Mr Cortez, were read at the event.

Ms Cortez spoke of the close bond the late spray painter shared with her and their daughter, as well as plans they had to reunite as a family unit.

Roman Catholic priest Father Vivien Neura and Pastor Marites Salvatiera offered prayers at the event.

Police said Mr Cortez had been riding a motorcycle in Pembroke when a pellet from an air rifle struck him as he drove along Hurst Crescent at about 5.20pm on October 14.

Mr Cortez, who worked at Busby’s Paint and Autobody Shop, died while receiving treatment at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Police said a man had been arrested in connection with the incident and had his firearms licence revoked before being released on police bail.

Ms Pascua, the island’s fourteenth road fatality, lost her life after she was struck near the junction of Cedar Avenue and Angle Street.

A 37-year-old man has been charged in connection with the incident.

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