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.
