TACLOBAN CITY – The Police Regional Office-8 has expressed concern over the disappearance of the parish priest of San Jose de Malibago Parish in Barangay Malibago, Babatngon, Leyte.
Fr. Edwin Cutz Caintoy has been reported missing since Dec. 23. He was last seen in some business establishments in Tacloban City.
Prior to his disappearance, Caintoy said that he will go to the city either at the Santo Niño or Redemptorist Church for a confession.
“PRO-8 has immediately initiated an investigation to verify the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the PRO-8 said. "It is actively pursuing all available leads to locate Fr. Caintoy as soon as possible."
Authorities said that any information circulating on social media claiming that Caintoy has been found remains unverified. "The public and the media are advised to rely only on official sources for confirmed updates."
The PRO-8 assured the public that the safety and security of the community remain their top priority.
Police encouraged people with relevant information regarding Caintoy to coordinate with the Babatngon Municipal Police Station or the nearest police station.