Nearly 200 Filipinos have been affected by the devastating wildfires sweeping through parts of Los Angeles, California, which has prompted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to direct the Philippine consulate there to provide them support, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said yesterday.
Philippine Consul General in Los Angeles, Adelio Angelito Cruz, reported that 191 Filipinos had been impacted by the fires, with the number expected to rise as more people reach out for help.
“Our latest tally has reached 191, as 12 more families have contacted us. We expect this number to continue to grow in the coming days,” Cruz said in a televised interview.
He assured that the affected families are safe and are sheltering in evacuation centers in LA County where they are receiving food and essential supplies. “They are well cared for and are safe,” Cruz said.
Cruz confirmed an increase in the death toll from 16 to 24, with authorities yet to identify the victims.
“The bodies were severely burned and DNA tests will be required for identification. It may take weeks before an official list is released,” he said.
The Philippine consulate has reached out to Filipino-American organizations, civic groups, religious organizations, and local government officials in LA to assist in identifying those affected.
Cruz also addressed the concerns of undocumented Filipinos, assuring them that the consulate is there to help them regardless of their immigration status.
“We are here to help, no questions asked. The important thing is that we support you,” he said.
Two Filipino foreign service officers from the consulate were evacuated from the fire’s path and were safely relocated to a hotel.
Cruz encouraged affected Filipinos to file housing insurance claims verified by the LA Fire Department and Philippine officials to help them rebuild their homes.
Earlier, President Marcos expressed his condolences to the fire victims, hoping that the Filipino and Filipino-American communities in Los Angeles would recover with strength, solidarity, and compassion.
For assistance, affected Filipinos can reach the Philippine consulate through its hotline +1 (323) 528-1528 or call its 24/7 emergency number +1 (213) 268-9990.