Elderly Pinoy from Ilocos among fatalities in Maui wildfires

NEW YORK - Another Filipino has been added to the count of identified casualties in the devastating wildfires in Lahaina on the island of Maui, Hawaii.

Rodolfo Rocutan, 76, from Ilocos, was identified by Maui authorities as among those who died in the wildfires.

Rocutan's granddaughter Rhea Rocutan Valenzuela confirmed the tragic news on her Facebook page: "We are saddened to inform you that we received a confirmation that Papa Oppo/Rodolfo/Rudy Rocutan didn't make it due to Lahaina Maui Wildfire."

The family is also seeking assistance for the expenses related to Rodolfo's burial.

"I humbly ask for your help and support by donating here on GoFundMe for his funeral services and for his immediate family/our ohana in the Philippines. Big and small amounts will be much appreciated," Rhea wrote.

In an interview with GMA Integrated News, Rhea mentioned that their grandfather Rodolfo was a kind and caring person.

"We will never forget his beautiful laugh. He calls everyone to check if we’re all ok. He is a wonderful man with a good personality. Good soul," Rhea said.

Currently, 23 individuals have been identified among the 114 casualties recovered by the search and recovery team.

Four of these are Filipino-Americans.

Among the fatalities are Conchita Sagudang and her son Danilo, both from Abra. They were identified by forensic experts in Lahaina, Conchita's daughter Edna Sagudang said.

Alfredo Galinato, 79, was also among those who died in the Hawaii wildfires, the Department of Foreign Affairs earlier said.

“The DFA confirms the death of a Filipino national in the Hawaii wildfires. He was a naturalized US citizen originally from Ilocos,” DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega told GMA News Online.

Over 800 people are still missing. —KG, GMA Integrated News