Authorities have ruled out foul play in the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, with investigators concluding that she died from blunt force trauma, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.
In a statement, Remulla said initial findings showed no indication that Cabral had been attacked or struggled with another person prior to her death.
He said investigators found no signs of a struggle inside the vehicle and no skin cells under Cabral’s fingernails that would suggest defensive actions.
He also clarified that no gunshot wounds were found during the ongoing investigation.
“Cabral initially surveyed the ravine in Tuba, Benguet before jumping to her demise at the same spot, an hour later,” Remulla said.
Remulla detailed the severity of Cabral’s injuries, pointing to the height of the ravine where she fell and the nature of the trauma sustained.
“At the height of 30 meters comparable to a 10-story building, Cabral chose a spot where she knew she would hit hard. The seriousness of the intent is measured by the lethality of the means,” he explained.
Ang nakita namin ay basag ang dito niya [right side of face], likod ng ulo. Ang ribs niya ay pumasok sa internal organs at bali ang kanyang mga paa (What we saw was that the right side of her face was shattered, the back of her head was injured. Her ribs had pierced her internal organs, and her legs were broken),” he added.
Despite these findings, Remulla emphasized that investigators will continue to thoroughly examine all available evidence to address public concern and counter misinformation circulating about the case.
He said an intensive investigation remains necessary to dispel suspicions and fake news surrounding Cabral’s death.
Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said authorities are proceeding with caution, noting that the case has drawn national attention due to allegations linking Cabral to the multibillion-peso flood control controversy.
Nartatez said the PNP is coordinating with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and other concerned agencies to determine what evidence must be secured, particularly those related to the separate investigation into flood control projects.
He acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation, especially for Cabral’s family and relatives, but said law enforcement has a responsibility to secure potential evidence that may be relevant to the broader public interest.
This includes Cabral’s personal gadgets, such as her laptop and cellphone, which may contain information related to the flood control probe.
“Aside from the conduct of the investigation into this incident, the Philippine National Police is actively working with other agencies in securing all the pieces of evidence with regard to the ongoing investigation into the flood control controversy,” Nartatez said.
“This is really important for us as part of the commitment that we declare at the start of the flood control investigation that your PNP is committed to assist in finding the truth and pursue transparency and accountability,” he added.
Nartatez also ordered stricter internal supervision of police units involved in the case following reported lapses that led to the relief of a police official in Tuba, Benguet. He said the directive aims to ensure that all procedures are properly followed and that no evidence is overlooked.
“This is not only to clarify the circumstances of her death but also to support our ongoing probe into the alleged flood control anomalies in the DPWH, so that no evidence is left unchecked,” Nartatez said.
He added that the PNP will continue to improve its internal processes to maintain public trust. “We will continue to enhance training, strengthen oversight, and enforce accountability measures so that every investigation meets the standards expected by the public,” he said.
The PNP chief reiterated his appeal to the public to refrain from speculation while the investigation is ongoing.
He urged the public to wait for official findings rather than relying on unverified information, stressing that authorities are committed to transparency and due process in both the investigation into Cabral’s death and the separate flood control inquiry.
