Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said findings from an extensive investigation indicate that the death of former public works undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral was a suicide, citing autopsy results, crime scene evidence, and dashcam footage showing no sign of foul play.
Cabral was found dead in a ravine along Kennon Road in Benguet on Dec. 18, with injuries consistent with a deliberate head-first fall, and authorities ruled out both struggle and accidental slipping.
Remulla acknowledged public speculation and initial police lapses, which prompted further probes, an autopsy, and the relief of local police officials who failed to follow standard procedures.
The National Bureau of Investigation said dashcam and bystander videos support initial findings but will still undergo technical examination, while the probe into Cabral’s driver and recovered personal items continues.
Remulla stressed that Cabral’s death does not halt investigations into alleged flood control project anomalies linked to her name.
Source: PhilNews24 | December 23, 2025
