Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 18) — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that a Filipino was among those who died in the Maui, Hawaii wildfires.
The DFA identified the fatality as 79-year-old Alfredo Galinato, a naturalized US citizen who was a native of Ilocos.
The consulate in Honolulu is assisting the victim’s Hawaii-based family, the department added.
Galinato was one of the first victims publicly named by the Maui county.
“Alfredo Galinato is among the first five names/casualties identified but he’s not in our passport/dual citizenship database. Possibly, he renewed passport/reacquired elsewhere. We will conduct further research,” DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega earlier told CNN Philippines, citing the Philippine consul general in Hawaii.
According to a release from Maui County, at least 111 deaths have already been confirmed in the wildfires. Authorities warned that the death toll will likely continue climbing.
CNN Philippines has reached out to Galinato’s family for comment.
