Leyte Police Intensify Search for Missing Priest, Warn Public vs False Reports

TACLOBAN CITY — The police in Leyte have launched a major search for the missing Catholic priest while warning the community and media against spreading false information about his whereabouts.

According to an official statement issued by the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) on December 25, 2025, they are verifying reports of the alleged disappearance of Rev. Fr. Edwin Cutz Caintoy, a 55 -year old parish priest of San Jose de Malibago Parish in Barangay Malibago, Babatngon, Leyte. The Police clarified that there are no confirmed reports of the priest being found.

Fr. Caintoy was last seen around 9:08 a.m. on December 23, 2025, after traveling from Babatngon to Tacloban City. CCTV footage later showed him at 9:52 a.m. near the VSYS Department Store, walking towards Robinsons North Tacloban. His movements after that point remain unknown.

“The LPPO, in collaboration with elements of the Philippine National Police, is actively pursuing every lead to establish the circumstances behind the incident and locate Father Caintoy as soon as possible ,” the police explained.

The Babatngon Municipal Police Station (MPS) issued a Flash Alarm to neighboring police stations and other concerned agencies to aid in locating the missing priest.

According to the police, Fr. Caintoy allegedly traveled to Barangay 108, Tagpuro, Tacloban City aboard an orange RUSI motorcycle driven by his sacristan, Janriel Pelapel. From there, he boarded a NORBATCO passenger bus (Bus No. 0085, Plate No. GAW 7651) driven by Felepe R. Posos, bound for Tacloban City.

He disembarked at the corner of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on Quezon Boulevard, before being seen on CCTV camera at Robinsons North.

At the time of his disappearance, Fr. Caintoy was described as about 5’6” tall, large-built, with a fair complexion, wearing a white clerical polo shirt, black slacks, and carrying a black sling bag.

The LPPO urged the public and media not to disseminate false or unconfirmed information that may cause panic and hinder the investigation. Only official updates through police channels will be provided.

Anyone with credible information is encouraged to contact the Babatngon Municipal Police Station hotline at 0998-598-6483, or report to the nearest police station.

The Archdiocese of Palo also expressed deep concern over the priest’s disappearance and confirmed its close coordination with authorities.

“The Archdiocese is saddened by the report that Rev. Fr. Edwin ‘Kutz’ A. Caintoy has been missing since December 23, 2025,” the statement read.

Church officials mentioned that Fr. Caintoy was last seen near the bus terminal close to Robinsons North Tacloban on the morning of December 23. The Archdiocese appealed to the public for any information that could help locate him and asked the faithful to keep the priest in their prayers.

Those with information may contact Rev. Fr. Gwen Lovelino Padagdag, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Palo, at 0928-219-3275.

As the search continues, both police and church officials reiterated their commitment to finding Fr. Caintoy and appealed for calm, cooperation, and vigilance from the public.

(Photo courtesy: Babatngon Pulis)