PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT READY TO HELP FILIPINOS AFFECTED BY WILDFIRES IN LA

The simultaneous wildfires have devastated Los Angeles this week, the Philippine government is said to be ready to aid Filipinos affected by the recent events (Photo courtesy of Chris Cristi/X)

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that the Philippine government is prepared to aid Filipinos affected by the massive wildfires in the southern part of the state of California. 

DFA Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito Cruz said there are over three million Filipinos in the entire state of California.  “We’ve been trying to reach our fellow Filipinos through all possible means. A lot of them are under mandatory evacuation.”

Filipinos and Filipino-Americans affected by the wildfires previously appealed for help after some of them lost everything to the fire. 

Cruz said that so far only three Filipino families have reached out for help from the Philippine government. “Only a few people have reached out for help. We are assuming that they stayed with their relatives in LA. There are only a few Filipinos in the Palisades.” 

Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles earlier issued an advisory calling Filipino nationals to reach the diplomatic post for assistance. “The Consulate is coordinating with local authorities and closely monitoring the situation of Filipino nationals in the affected areas. Filipino nationals requiring the Consulate’s assistance may call (323) 528-1528.”

“The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles advises the Filipino community in the areas affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles County (Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, Woodley Fire), Riverside County (Tyler Fire), and Ventura County (Olivas Fire) to check local advisories, undertake necessary preparations, and adhere to evacuation orders,” the advisory added.

According to a Reuters report, firefighters finally started gaining control over two major wildfires on the eastern and western flanks of Los Angeles on Friday.

Six simultaneous wildfires have devastated Los Angeles County neighborhoods since Tuesday, have killed at least 10 people over and destroyed nearly 10,000 structures. Those totals are expected to grow.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer

Be part of ImHenyo community!

Get featured by sharing your stories, news, and comments

Email us at [email protected]