MISSING PERSON: Filipino parish priest in Leyte missing since December 23

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Palo in Leyte, Philippines is seeking assistance in locating the whereabouts of Father Edwin "Kutz" Caintoy, who has been missing since December 23.

Father Caintoy, 55, is the Parish Priest of San Jose de Malibago Parish in Abuyog, Leyte.

According to an announcement on the official Facebook page of the Archdiocese of Palo, Father Caintoy was last seen wearing a white clerical polo shirt and carrying a black sling bag on Tuesday morning.

The Archdiocese of Palo said any information that may help in locating the missing priest may be relayed to Father Gwen Lovelino Padagdag, Chancellor, at 0928 219 3275.

Information on the Archdiocese of Palo website said Father Caintoy was born on June 11, 1970 and was ordained on June 12, 2001.

Meanwhile, the Archdiocese of Palo posted on its Facebook page a missing person alert for Father Caintoy created by the Babatngon Pulis.

Based on the post of Babatngon Pulis, the missing priest went to Tagpuro, Leyte on December 23 aboard a motorcycle driven by his sacristan, Janriel Pelapel.

Babatngon Pulis said in Tagpuro, Father Caintoy rode Tacloban City-bound NORBATCO passenger bus No. 85 with Plate No. GAW 7651.

The priest reportedly disembarked at the corner of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church along Quezon Boulevard, Tacloban City.

"At around 9:52 AM, he was captured on CCTV from VSYS Department Store, walking toward Robinsons North Tacloban. Since then, his whereabouts remain unknown, and he has not returned up to this time."

The police are encouraging the public to report any information about the location of Father Caintoy by calling the Babatngon Municipal Police Station (MPS) Hotline: 0998-598-6483.

People may also go directly to the Babatngon MPS in Barangay District I, Babatngon, Leyte to relay information about Father Caintoy.

-Paraluman News