Ex-Usec Cabral’s death probe continues; family OKs autopsy

The investigation of the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral continued by authorities, whose body was found “unresponsive” about 20 to 30 meters below a highway, along the Bued River in Benguet.

The family of the late former DPWH undersecretary expressed their consent for an autopsy to assist in clarifying the circumstances surrounding her death.

“Ang alam ko nag-decide na ‘yung pamilya na ipa-autopsy. Kausap ko lang kanina ‘yung chief of police ang sabi niya willing na magpa-autopsy ‘yung family niya,” Benguet Police provincial director Police Colonel Lambert Suerte told Dobol B TV in an interview.

Cabral’s vehicle was first seen around 8 a.m., Dec. 18  at a roadside stall near a gas station, roughly 100 meters from the ravine where her body would later be discovered.

According to Arnulfo Milo, Tuba Councilor said police officers on patrol asked Cabral and her driver to move the vehicle after it began obstructing traffic. The driver initially resisted but complied about an hour later.

Cabral and her driver reportedly checked into a hotel in Baguio City before returning to the vicinity at around 3 p.m.

Milo noted that her vehicle remained in its initial position and raised the possibility that her driver may have been unaware of her absence.

Hours later, Cabral was found lifeless along the river, with first responders retrieving her remains shortly after midnight on Friday. A municipal doctor  pronounced her dead at 12:02 a.m.

“This area is known for accidents; vehicles and rocks have fallen here before,” Milo said, highlighting the ravine as an accident-prone area.

Last September, Cabral resigned from the DPWH amid allegations of irregularities in flood control and infrastructure projects, including denials of involvement in kickback schemes.

To determine whether foul play was involved, the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) called for a “prompt and thorough investigation”, noting Cabral’s role in ongoing corruption inquiries.

The Office of the Ombudsman has instructed local authorities to preserve all of Cabral’s devices, including her cellphone, which remains with her family.

“The Ombudsman’s office directs the authorities in Benguet to take custody of and preserve the cellphone and other gadgets of former Usec. Cathy Cabral,” Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said.

“The same is to be turned over to the investigators at the proper time,” he added.

The Benguet Provincial Police confirmed that no CCTV cameras were operational in the area at the time of the incident, complicating efforts to reconstruct Cabral’s last movements. 

Her driver reported her missing around 7 p.m. Thursday, prompting a search that ultimately led to the grim discovery downstream.

Investigators are now focused on establishing a precise timeline of Cabral’s final hours. The family’s approval for an autopsy may provide critical information about the cause of her death.

Authorities have pledged transparency and a thorough examination of all circumstances surrounding her death.