Missing Leyte priest Edwin Caintoy: What we know so far

MANILA, Philippines — A day before Christmas, the Archdiocese of Palo in Leyte announced that a priest had gone missing.

Father Edwin “Kutz” Caintoy was last seen on Wednesday, December 23, in Tacloban City. 

“Anyone with information that may assist in locating Fr. Caintoy is kindly requested to contact Rev. Fr. Gwen Lovelino Padagdag at 09282193275,” the Archdiocese of Palo said.

What happened

According to Babatngon town police, Caintoy travelled from Babatngon to Barangay 108, Tagpuro, Tacloban City, through a motorcycle driven by his sacristan named Janriel Pelapel on December 23.

In Tagpuro, the priest boarded a NORBATCO passenger bus driven by one Felepe Posos. The bus is also bound for Tacloban City. 

Caintoy, according to the police, alighted the bus at the corner of Our Lady of Guadalupe church, along Quezon Boulevard in the same city. A closed circuit television captured him at around 9:52 am walking toward Robinsons North Tacloban. 

That was the last time he was seen, according to the police.

Who is Father Cantoy?

The police also released some information about Cantoy for easy identification:

• 55 years old
• Around 5’6”
• Large built, fair complexion
• Parish priest of San Jose de Malibago Parish in Babatngon
• Lives in Barangay Malangyo, Abuyog, Leyte
• Last seen wearing white clerical polo, black socks, and carried a black sling bag

The Babatngon police said it already issued a flash alarm to its neighboring police stations and other concerned agencies for cooperation. 

Meanwhile, the Leyte Provincial Police Office (LPPO) is also conducting its probe into the priest’s disappearance.

“The LPPO, in coordination with concerned police units, is actively pursuing all leads to determine the circumstances of the incident and locate Father Caintoy at the soonest possible time,” the provincial police said. 

“Anyone with reliable information is encouraged to coordinate with the Babatngon Municipal Police Station or the nearest police station,” it added. – Rappler.com