Unclaimed body identified as priest swept away by Odette surge

The Cebu Archdiocesan Chancery on Thursday confirmed that a body found in Toledo City after Typhoon Odette is that of a priest, the Rev. Fr. Eliseo "Leo" Fernandez.

In a Facebook post, the Chancery said Fernandez was identified through his celibacy ring. Initially, law enforcers from the Toledo City Police Station informed Church officials about an unclaimed body at a funeral parlor.

The body was found floating in the shores of Bato in Toledo City on December 18.

Fernandez's brother also identified the body as that of priest because his ring also has his name engraved on it.

The personnel from the funeral parlor also described the clothes, which matched what Fernandez was wearing the night he was supposedly swept away by a strong current.

Cebu is among the provinces that was badly hit by Typhoon Odette last week.

The Chancery, meanwhile, expressed condolences to the bereaved family of the priest.

"Despite our pain and sorrow over this unfortunate event, we are thankful that Fr. Leo’s body has been finally recovered," it said.

"In the spirit of our ministerial brotherhood and being one in Faith, we pray for his eternal repose as we also include all who died because of this recent calamity," it added.

The Chancery said the body of Fernandez would likely be cremated as the funeral parlor also suggested the body's immediate burial. — BM, GMA News