Missing persons flyers for the residents of Lahaina, Hawaii, are prominently displayed on the bulletin board at King’s Cathedral Maui in Kahului, Hawaii. The emotional toll of waiting for news has become increasingly difficult for Kevin Baclig, who refuses to give up on finding his wife, Angelica, and her parents, Joel and Adela Villegas. Despite the long odds, he tirelessly searches through shelters, hoping that someone will recognize the faces on the flyers he carries with him.
Baclig, a 30-year-old man, drives back and forth to Lahaina, scouring the area for any sign that could lead him to his missing loved ones. He remains hopeful, desperately clinging to the possibility of finding them alive. The weight of uncertainty colors his subdued voice as he speaks in Ilocano, a dialect from the northern Philippines.
The devastating wildfire that engulfed Lahaina took numerous lives and left a trail of destruction, including the house Baclig’s family purchased three years ago. The once vibrant Front Street, a popular tourist destination, now lies in desolation, with buildings reduced to rubble and charred vehicles lining the streets.
The death toll from the tragedy continues to rise, with 114 bodies recovered, many still awaiting identification. Hawaii Governor Josh Green acknowledges that the number of missing individuals remains uncertain, as some initially reported as missing have since been located. Police Chief John Pelletier acknowledges the challenges in locating all the missing persons, emphasizing their commitment to do their best.
In the midst of this tragedy, stories of the missing begin to emerge, such as Po’omaika’i Estores-Losano, who wished his family a good day on Facebook just before the fire consumed Lahaina. His loved ones tirelessly search hospitals and shelters, hoping for his safe return. The possibility that Estores-Losano had to outrun the fire and smoke without access to a car adds to the anguish his family feels.
Leona Castillo, Estores-Losano’s mother, still holds onto the hope that her son is alive. She resolutely refuses to accept a reality where her son remains lost. In her determination to find him, she has provided her DNA sample for identification purposes.
Castillo reflects on the chaos and confusion that ensued in the days following the fire, with numerous families anxiously searching for their missing relatives. While she is relieved for those who have found their loved ones, she longs for closure in her own search.
Ace Yabes shares a similar sentiment as he waits for news about his missing relatives, including Angelica Baclig and her family, who lived next door. Kevin Baclig, while working at a skilled nursing facility, has tirelessly searched shelters, hotels, and the houses of their friends, reporting their disappearance to the authorities. He still holds onto hope, considering the possibility that his family members may not have had the chance to grab their phones in the haste to escape the fire.
As his search nears its end, Baclig continues to rely on prayer, seeking guidance and assistance in this desperate time. His Facebook post echoes his desperation and uncertainty, pleading for divine intervention.
The residents of Lahaina, Hawaii, endure immeasurable pain and uncertainty as they await news of their missing loved ones. The community stands united in their search, never giving up hope until every missing person is found.
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