ICI calls for probe on Cabral’s death

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure on Friday called for a thorough investigation into the untimely death of former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, who was a key figure in the flood control scandal. 

In a statement, the ICI said that the investigation would seek to ensure that there was no foul play in Cabral’s death. The ex-DPWH official died in an alleged fall in Benguet, according to police. 

“Should authorities determine one, it is possible that those responsible may also be connected to the anomalous infrastructure projects,” the Palace-created commission said. 

The ICI also asked law enforcement agencies to immediately secure and preserve all of Cabral’s documents, gadgets, and computers for possible digital forensics examination. 

“Usec. Catalina Cabral was one of the central figures in the on-going investigation of anomalous government infrastructure projects. As the former undersecretary for planning, she was no doubt privy to vital information,” it added. 

The commission also extended its condolences to the bereaved family and friends of Cabral.

On December 11, Hosaka said that the ICI would invite Cabral as a resource person in its investigation into ghost and substandard flood control projects. He said the former DPWH official may be invited to attend the hearing on December 15 but the ICI did not receive any confirmation from Cabral.

On Thursday evening, Cabral was found “unconscious and unresponsive” about 20 to 30 meters below a highway, several hours after she asked her driver to drop her off at a section of Kennon Road.

Tuba Municipal Station chief Police Major Peter Camsol said a municipal doctor pronounced Cabral dead at the scene beside the Bued River at 12:03 a.m. on Friday.

The Office of the Ombudsman has directed the authorities in Benguet to secure the cellphone and other gadgets of Cabral after police found her unconscious and unresponsive beside a river on Thursday night. 

"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.

Police Colonel Lambert Suerte, Benguet police provincial director, said Cabral's cellphone was with her family.

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Nasa pamilya pa rin ni dating DPWH Usec. Maria Catalina Cabral ang cellphone nito, ayon sa Benguet Police Provincial Office (PPO). pic.twitter.com/VWZRaKZC7z

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) December 19, 2025

In September, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon announced that Cabral resigned from her post at the height of the investigation on the flood control controversy where she is being implicated.

Former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, in an affidavit he read before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, implicated several lawmakers and former DPWH officials, including Cabral, in the collection of kickbacks from the anomalous projects. —AOL, GMA Integrated News