Approximately 150 Filipinos have been displaced by the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
The DFA said these individuals were forced to evacuate their homes and are currently residing in designated evacuation centers.
DFA Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito Cruz confirmed that no Filipinos have been reported among the fatalities, and none have expressed a desire to return to the Philippines.
The DFA is providing initial financial assistance of $200 to each affected Filipino immigrant or dual citizen. This aid is not limited to cash, with the DFA collaborating with Filipino-American organizations to assist in finding new employment opportunities.
Cruz acknowledged that many affected Filipinos are blue-collar workers with limited or no insurance, and some may be undocumented. He emphasized that California’s sanctuary state policies ensure that all individuals in need of assistance, regardless of immigration status, will receive necessary medical care and support.
However, he emphasized that the aid is specifically for Filipino immigrants or dual citizens.
“If they have become US Citizens, they have sworn an oath to the American flag, they are no longer Filipinos and the help that our government can give them is limited because they are no longer Filipinos,” Cruz explained.
Cruz acknowledged that “a number” of Filipinos affected by the wildfires are blue-collar workers with limited or no insurance, with some of them “undocumented.”
“Right now, California being a sanctuary state, they don’t actually care whether you’re documented or undocumented. If you need help, if you need medical assistance, they will provide and they will assist,” Cruz emphasized.
The death toll from the wildfires has risen to 24, with fatalities reported in Palisades and Eaton.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Nearly 150 Filipinos displaced by LA fires — DFA.”