Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said authorities found no evidence of foul play in the sudden death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Catalina Cabral, but stressed that thorough identity checks will be conducted to rule out possible staging to evade charges linked to the flood control scandal.
“The family positively identified her already but we cannot rely on that alone. Baka may budol play dito, naninigurado tayo,” Remulla said, adding, “Baka ibang katawan ang ginamit tapos sinabi ng pamilya sila na ‘yon, pero baka tumakas sa ibang lugar. Marami kasi nag-fake ng birth certificate.”
Cabral’s body is undergoing an autopsy and DNA verification. Remulla said a full report will be released within 24 hours.
Senator Kiko Pangilinan also urged authorities to confirm the remains, noting that “faking death to escape criminal liability for corruption has happened before.”
Cabral, a key figure in the flood control kickback scandal, was found unconscious and unresponsive 20 to 30 meters below Kennon Road in Benguet on Thursday evening and was pronounced dead on arrival.
Authorities said she had come from a Baguio hotel where she was staying alone. According to her driver, Cabral asked to be dropped off at Camp 5 along Kennon Road around 3 p.m. for an “inspection,” and the driver reported her missing at 8 p.m.
“From initial reports, walang foul play,” Remulla said, while noting that it is too early to determine whether the case was suicide.
“I would assume she was undergoing severe stress sa nangyayari dito but that’s just an assumption. I cannot talk on behalf of what her mental state was,” he added.