Cabral family resists autopsy, wants remains home as Christmas nears

The loved ones of former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral have opposed the authorities' order to have her remains autopsied due to the supposed suspicious circumstances of her death.

According to Bea Pinlac's report on "24 Oras," both the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior and Local Government have ordered the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police, respectively, to conduct an autopsy.

The DILG has also ordered a DNA test to ascertain the identity of the remains.

Cabral's husband, Cesar, said that he and their children have already identified the body.

"Ako na nagsasabi, asawa ko 'yan. Nanay nila 'yan. Ano pa gusto nilang i-prove? Maghahanap sila ng ibang tao?" Cesar said.

(I'm saying that the body is my wife's. The children are saying that it's their mother's. What else do they want to prove? Will they look for another person?)

The family said they would not agree to the autopsy. They just want to take Cabral's body home.

"Magpa-Pasko. Masamahan ko man lang 'yung asawa ko ngayong Pasko," Cesar said.

(Christmas is near. I just want to be with my wife this Christmas.)

Cabral's loved ones believe that her death was an accident and that no foul play was involved.

However, the police said they still could not rule out the latter.

"Nagpunta siya dito para mag-unwind," Cesar said. 

"Nakausap ko pa siya... Sabi ko bakit 'di ka um-attend du'n sa meeting sa ICC?" he added.

(She went here (Baguio) to unwind... I even talked to her... I said why won't you attend the ICC hearing?) —NB, GMA Integrated News