The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to immediately surrender all computer and electronic devices issued to the late former Undersecretary Catalina Cabral, a key figure in the flood control corruption probe.
Cabral was found dead on December 19 in a ravine along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the autopsy and initial findings indicate suicide.
The subpoena seeks to allow forensic examination of the devices to determine whether any data connected to the flood control scandal was “altered, deleted or tampered with.”
“Upon turnover, these devices will be subjected to forensic examination by a law enforcement agency to determine whether any data was altered, deleted, or tampered with after the Flood Control Scandal was first made public,” Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said in a message to reporters.
Authorities confirmed that Cabral’s cellphone remains with her family, who have resisted calls to hand over her personal effects, arguing that no legal complaints were filed against her.
“The Office expects prompt and full compliance with the subpoena in the interest of accountability and the integrity of the ongoing investigation,” the antigraft agency said.