Photo courtesy from Joshua Galinato

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has confirmed the death of a Filipino national in the widespread wildfire that has swept across Maui, Hawaii. The victim, identified as a native of Ilocos, had become a naturalized U.S. citizen, according to DFA sources.

The Philippine Consulate in Honolulu is actively coordinating with the victim's family during this difficult time. The wildfire, which has caused extensive damage and loss of life, has deeply impacted communities in the area.

In a heartfelt Facebook post by Joshua Galinato, he confirmed the devastating news of his father's passing. The post reads, "Our Dad, Alfredo Galinato, was one of the many thousand others who have fallen during the most deadliest fires in all of the U.S. We are grateful to finally hear about our Father’s remains but saddened that he has not joined us in safety. It’s with an extremely heavy heart that my Mother and brothers lost everything in this fire including the entirety of our home that my parents worked very hard on. We want to extend our sincerest gratitude to each individual who has blessed my family and I with their hard-earned monetary donations and no amount is ever too little. A simple share about the Maui Fires happening will make all the difference to ensure that we get our Lahaina town back and restored in good faith. Thank you again for taking the time to follow and read our family’s story and God bless you."