Last seen on Dec. 23
TACLOBAN CITY-Local officials in Babatngon, Leyte are appealing to the public for assistance as authorities intensify efforts to locate Rev. Fr. Edwin “Kutz” Caintoy, 55, the parish priest of San Jose de Malibago Parish, who has been missing since December 23 following a trip to Tacloban City.
Babatngon town councilor Larry Menzon said local officials were shocked and deeply concerned over Fr. Caintoy’s disappearance.
“We are worried because Father has not shown up yet and we still have no news about his condition,” he said.
“I am honestly confused because Father does not seem to be the kind of person who would be targeted for kidnapping. He is not wealthy and there is no apparent reason for anyone to harm him,” Menzon added.
Menzon said that the municipal officials plan to personally request regular updates from the police regarding the status of the investigation.
He described Fr. Caintoy as a well-loved priest who recently led the renovation of the San Jose de Malibago Church. The last time Menzon saw him was about a month ago.
Fr. Caintoy, a native of Abuyog, Leyte, was last seen in Barangay 108, Tagpuro, Tacloban City, around 9:08 a.m., arriving via an orange RUSI motorcycle driven by his sacristan, Janriel Pelapel.
He later boarded a NORBATCO passenger bus (Bus No. 0085, Plate No. GAW 7651) bound for downtown Tacloban and was captured on CCTV footage at 9:52 a.m. walking toward Robinsons North Tacloban, his last confirmed sighting.
Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), under the directive of Police Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy, has stepped up the investigation.
Police Col. Analiza Armeza, regional information officer, said all possible angles are being considered, but authorities have yet to uncover any concrete leads.
Babatngon officials are deeply concerned about the priest’s disappearance.
To ensure uninterrupted pastoral services, the Archdiocese of Palo appointed Rev. Fr. Arnold Aurelio as interim parish administrator on December 26, 2025, granting him full authority under Church law and Archdiocesan statutes.
Fr. Caintoy, standing 5 feet 6 inches tall with a large build, has served the parish for about five years, ministering to several island barangays and earning widespread respect.
Authorities and local officials continue to appeal to anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to immediately coordinate with the nearest police station.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
