Concern is mounting across Leyte as local officials and parishioners appeal for an intensified search for Catholic priest Edwin “Kutz” Caintoy, who has been missing since December 23, 2025.
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| Priest Edwin "Kutz" Caintoy Photo From Palo Dioces |
Fr. Caintoy, 55, the parish priest of San Jose de Malibago Parish in Babatngon and a native of Abuyog town, was last seen after traveling to Tacloban City. He reportedly failed to return to his parish as scheduled, prompting church leaders and local officials to seek police assistance after days passed with no contact or confirmed sightings.
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Despite intensified investigation efforts, authorities have yet to establish clear leads on his whereabouts. The Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas (PRO-8) has ordered an expanded probe into the disappearance, following the directive of Police Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy, acting regional director.
Babatngon Councilor Larry Menzon expressed deep concern over the prolonged absence of the priest, describing the situation as both troubling and puzzling.
“We are worried because Father has not shown up yet and we still have no news about his condition. I am honestly confused because Father does not seem to be the kind of person who would be targeted for kidnapping,” Menzon said on Sunday. “He is not wealthy and there is no apparent reason for anyone to harm him.”
Fr. Caintoy is known in the community for his quiet lifestyle and dedication to parish work, making his disappearance all the more alarming to those who know him personally.
Menzon added that municipal officials plan to formally request regular updates from the police to ensure transparency and sustained momentum in the investigation. Local leaders also encouraged residents with any information, however small, to coordinate with authorities.
As the days pass with no confirmed developments, prayers and calls for action continue to mount from parishioners, fellow clergy, and local officials, all hoping for Fr. Caintoy’s safe return.
Police authorities reiterated their commitment to pursue all possible angles in the case and urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperative as the search continues.
Concern Deepens Over Disappearance of Beloved Leyte Priest as Police Trace Final Movements
Anxiety and unanswered questions continue to grip the town of Babatngon as authorities intensify their search for Fr. Edwin “Kutz” Caintoy, a well-loved Catholic priest who has been missing since December 23, 2025. As days stretch into weeks, local officials, parishioners, and fellow clergy are calling for sustained police action and public vigilance, hoping for a breakthrough that will lead to his safe return.
Fr. Caintoy, 55, has served as the parish priest of San Jose de Malibago Parish for nearly five years, ministering to a wide area that includes several island barangays. Known for his humility, approachability, and deep commitment to pastoral work, he has long been regarded as a pillar of the community. In recent years, he played a leading role in the renovation of the San Jose de Malibago Church, a project that strengthened both the physical structure of the church and the faith of its parishioners.
Babatngon Councilor Larry Menzon, who has known the priest personally, described Fr. Caintoy as deeply respected and cherished by the people he served.
“Father Kutz is a well-loved priest. He was hands-on with the renovation of the church and always made time for the people,” Menzon said. “The last time I saw him was about a month ago. It is hard to understand how someone like him could just disappear.”
Timeline of a Troubling Disappearance
Based on initial police findings, Fr. Caintoy left Babatngon early in the morning of December 23 to travel to Tacloban City, where he was reportedly scheduled to hear confessions at a church. At around 9:08 a.m., he was last seen arriving in Barangay 108, Tagpuro, Tacloban City, riding an orange Rusi motorcycle driven by his sacristan, Janriel Pelapel.
From Tagpuro, Fr. Caintoy allegedly boarded a Norbatco passenger bus (Bus No. 0085, Plate No. GAW 7651) bound for downtown Tacloban. Police said he later disembarked near the corner of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church along Quezon Boulevard.
At 9:52 a.m., closed-circuit television footage obtained from VSYS Department Store showed Fr. Caintoy walking in the direction of Robinsons North Tacloban. Authorities confirmed that this footage marks the last verified sighting of the priest. Since then, no further confirmed traces of his movements have been established.
Police Pursue All Possible Angles
The Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas (PRO-8) has assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway. Police Col. Analiza Armeza, PRO-8 information officer, said investigators are examining every possible scenario surrounding the priest’s disappearance.
“There is no specific lead as of now, but all possible angles are taken into consideration,” Armeza said, while declining to disclose further details in order to protect the integrity of the investigation.
The intensified probe follows the directive of Police Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy, acting director of PRO-8, who ordered investigators to exhaust all available resources, including CCTV back-tracking, interviews with possible witnesses, and coordination with transport groups.
Fr. Caintoy’s disappearance has sent shockwaves through Babatngon and neighboring towns, where he is remembered not only as a spiritual leader but also as a constant presence in community life. Standing about 1.52 meters (5 feet 6 inches) tall with a large build, he is a familiar figure, particularly in the island barangays under his parish where access to priests is often limited.
Local officials have expressed confusion and concern, noting that Fr. Caintoy does not fit the profile of someone who would be targeted for crime. He lived modestly, avoided controversy, and focused almost entirely on church duties.
Municipal leaders have announced plans to request regular updates from police authorities, hoping to keep the investigation moving and ensure transparency. Parishioners, meanwhile, continue to hold prayer vigils, asking for guidance, protection, and answers.
Hope Amid Uncertainty
As the search continues, authorities are urging anyone who may have seen Fr. Caintoy on December 23, or who may have information about his movements after the last CCTV footage, to come forward.
For now, Babatngon waits — united by faith, concern, and hope — clinging to the belief that the priest who dedicated his life to serving others will soon be found, and that clarity will finally emerge from the silence surrounding his disappearance.
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