Brgy. Burabud, Laoang, N. Samar – Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (NSSDEO) activates “Lakbay Alalay” through a Motorists Assistant Team (MAT) to safeguard motorists this Christmas and New Year Holidays. This implementation is spearheaded by the Skeletal Workforce from the Maintenance Section.
This “Lakbay Alalay” Motorists Assistance Program is implemented from December 24, 2025, 8:00 AM, to December 26, 2025, 5:00 PM, and from December 31, 2025, 8:00 AM, to January 2, 2026, 5:00 PM. This team is divided into two, assigned in different locations and leaders: (1) Brgy. Burabud, Laoang, and (2) Maintenance Field Office, Brgy. Tinampo, Palapag.
The primary objective of this program is to ensure the safety of motorists and travellers since many people rush to the provinces to take advantage of the long vacation and at the same time to celebrate Christmas and New Year in their home towns with their loved ones.
Through this activity, DPWH dem onstrates its commitment to public service and road safety, ensuring that travelers reach their des tinations safely and conveniently. (Jamaica I. Acebuche/PR)
ORMOC CITY— A 65-year-old man with a chronic illness was found lifeless inside his home in Sitio Daan Gacat, Brgy. Gacat in Baybay City on December 24, authorities said.
The victim, identified as “Rodrigo,” married and unemployed, was discovered at around 6:50 p.m. after a neighbor noticed he did not respond despite lights being on inside the house. Witnesses borrowed a ladder to peep through a window and saw him lying on the floor, unresponsive.
Emergency responders from the Baybay Emergency Response Unit (BERU) arrived, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. Police noted the house’s doorknob was damaged, prompting entry for verification.
According to the victim’s sister, Rodrigo had been suffering from diabetes and reported difficulty breathing about a week prior. She also mentioned his habitual smoking and coffee drinking and said she believed his death was likely due to natural causes.
The Leyte Provincial Forensic Unit processed the scene and found no external injuries on the body. The cadaver was later transported to a local funeral parlor for proper disposition.
Authorities confirmed that no foul play is suspected in the incident.
MOST BEAUTIFUL LANTERN.A lantern crafted by residents of Barangay 07 was named grand champion of this year’s 8th Can-avid Giant Lantern Festival. (PHOTO COURTESY)
MOST BEAUTIFUL LANTERN.A lantern crafted by residents of Barangay 07 was named grand champion of this year’s 8th Can-avid Giant Lantern Festival. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY — Barangay 07 Poblacion was declared grand champion of the 8th Can-avid Giant Lantern Festival, locally known as “Lamrag,” following a month-long celebration that showcased community creativity and reinforced Can-avid’s identity as the Christmas Capital of Eastern Samar.
The festival, held at the Can-avid Great Park, featured giant lanterns crafted largely from recycled materials, highlighting environmental awareness alongside local artistry. Barangay Rawis placed second, while Barangay 04 Poblacion finished third.
The ceremonial lighting of the lanterns on December 5, 2025, officially opened the festivities, which ran through January 2026 and drew residents and visitors to the town for a series of cultural and holiday activities.
Winning barangays received cash prizes, with P200,000 for the grand champion donated by House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Representative Nonoy Libanan. Representative Sheen Gonzales sponsored the P150,000 second prize, while Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone provided P100,000 for third place. Vice Governor Maricar Sison-Goteesan donated P10,000 each for the consolation prizes.
Mayor Teves also extended P10,000 in financial assistance to help barangays produce their lantern entries.
Organizers said the annual festival continues to promote community participation, creativity, and environmental responsibility. Launched in 2017, the Can-avid Giant Lantern Festival has grown into a major holiday attraction in Eastern Samar. After a temporary suspension during the pandemic, the event has returned with expanded activities and broader participation from local communities.
ORMOC CITY– A house made of light materials was completely destroyed by fire on December 26, around noon, in Brgy. Herrera, Calubian, Leyte, authorities reported.
The house belonged to “Micah,” 16, who lives with her partner. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.
Police said the Calubian Fire Station and local authorities responded after a report from Brgy. Gutosan about the fire. Upon arrival, responders saw the house engulfed in flames.
Initial investigations revealed that the fire started in the cooking area at the back of the house. The owner told police that she and her child had gone to sleep after cooking around 11:00 a.m., and only noticed the fire hours later. She managed to evacuate with her child and some belongings before neighbors assisted in calling for help.
Due to the house being made of light materials, the fire spread quickly. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Calubian controlled the fire at 12:40 p.m. and declared it fully extinguished at 12:55 p.m.
The estimated property damage is around P50,000, but no injuries were reported. The origin of the fire remains under investigation.
ORMOC CITY– The skeletal remains of an 89-year-old farmer reported missing weeks ago were discovered by his grandson on December 23 in Sitio Kankisi, Brgy. Guinmaayohan, Balangiga, Eastern Samar authorities said.
The victim, identified as “Matthew,” had been missing for about a week. His grandson, “Carlo,” reported the discovery to the Balangiga Police Station, prompting coordination with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) to verify the remains.
Police said the identification was based on the victim’s clothing and personal belongings found at the site. Family members believe the death was likely natural, citing Matthew’s advanced age and history of hypertension.
The remains were subsequently transported to the Balangiga Public Cemetery, escorted by Balangiga MPS personnel, for proper interment.
Authorities confirmed there are no signs of foul play.
MISSING PRIEST. The Archdiocese of Palo and Babatngon police are appealing to the public for help in locating Rev. Fr. Edwin “Kutz” Caintoy, parish priest of San Jose de Malibago Parish, who has been missing since December 23, 2025. Fr. Caintoy was last seen near Robinsons North Tacloban wearing a white clerical polo and carrying a black sling bag.(PHOTO COURTESY)
Fr. Caintoy is a priest in Babatngon
MISSING PRIEST. The Archdiocese of Palo and Babatngon police are appealing to the public for help in locating Rev. Fr. Edwin “Kutz” Caintoy, parish priest of San Jose de Malibago Parish, who has been missing since December 23, 2025. Fr. Caintoy was last seen near Robinsons North Tacloban wearing a white clerical polo and carrying a black sling bag.(PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY — Church authorities and police have appealed to the public for information on the whereabouts of a parish priest of the Archdiocese of Palo who has been missing since the morning of December 23, 2025, after he was last seen in Tacloban City.
In an advisory issued on December 24, the Archdiocese of Palo confirmed that Rev. Fr. Edwin “Kutz” Caintoy, parish priest of San Jose de Malibago Parish in Babatngon, Leyte, has not been heard from since he was last sighted near the bus terminal close to Robinsons North Tacloban.
Fr. Caintoy, 55, was reportedly wearing a white clerical polo shirt, black slacks, and carrying a black sling bag when he was last seen.
The archdiocese said it is closely coordinating with authorities and urged anyone with information that could help locate the priest to contact Rev. Fr. Gwen Lovelino Padagdag, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Palo, at 0928-219-3275.
“We earnestly ask the faithful to keep Fr. Caintoy in their prayers,” the archdiocese said.
Based on information released by the Babatngon Municipal Police Station (MPS), Fr. Caintoy was last seen around 9:08 a.m. on December 23. Police said he traveled to Barangay 108, Tagpuro, Tacloban City aboard an orange RUSI motorcycle driven by his sacristan, Janriel Pelapel.
From there, he reportedly boarded a NORBATCO passenger bus (Bus No. 0085, Plate No. GAW 7651) bound for Tacloban City.
Police said Fr. Caintoy disembarked near the corner of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church along Quezon Boulevard. At around 9:52 a.m., he was captured on CCTV footage from VSYS Department Store walking toward Robinsons North Tacloban. Since then, he has not returned and his whereabouts remain unknown.
Fr. Caintoy stands about 5’6” tall, has a large build and fair complexion. He is a native of Abuyog, Leyte, and has served as parish priest of San Jose de Malibago Parish for about five years. The parish covers several island barangays in Babatngon.
Due to his absence, Archbishop John Du designated another priest to preside over the Misa de Gallo at San Jose de Malibago Parish.
The Babatngon MPS, under the leadership of Officer-in-Charge PCapt. Junriel Rosario, said a flash alarm has been issued to neighboring police stations and concerned agencies to assist in locating the missing priest.
