Leyte priest goes missing

PALO, Leyte — Parishioners and church officials are anxiously searching for Reverend Father Edwin “Kutz” Caintoy, 55, who has been missing since two days before Christmas.

Father Caintoy, the parish priest of San Jose de Malibago Parish in Babatngon town, was reported missing Tuesday morning, 23 December, after he failed to officiate the Misa de Gallo. His sudden disappearance has left friends, family, and the faithful worried.

Initial reports placed him in several locations — Ormoc City, Kananga, the Redemptorist Church in Tacloban City, and Abuyog, his hometown — but all were later ruled out after verification by relatives and friends. Repeated attempts to reach him by phone went unanswered, leaving only unanswered rings.

The Archdiocese of Palo confirmed that Father Caintoy was last seen at a bus terminal near Robinsons North in Tacloban City that same morning. He was reportedly wearing a white clerical polo shirt and carrying a sling bag. Church officials are coordinating closely with local authorities and have appealed to the public for any information that could help locate him.

The Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) said Thursday afternoon that it is actively investigating the disappearance, carefully verifying all reports — including social media posts claiming the priest has been found, which remain unconfirmed.

“The LPPO, in coordination with concerned police units, is actively pursuing all leads to determine the circumstances of the incident and locate Father Caintoy as soon as possible,” the police said. They also reminded the public and media to avoid spreading unverified information, which could cause unnecessary alarm and complicate the ongoing investigation.