DPWH to surrender Cabral devices to Ombudsman, PNP

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Monday said it will turn over all data storage devices, documents, records, and files related to the office of former Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Philippine National Police.

This came after the Ombudsman issued a subpoena to the DPWH, ordering it to submit Cabral’s computers and devices for forensic examination.

“The Department remains committed to transparency and will continue to cooperate fully with investigating bodies to provide any further assistance required in the ongoing inquiry,” the DPWH said in a statement.

Cabral was found on December 18 “unconscious and unresponsive” 20 to 30 meters below a highway hours after she instructed her driver to leave her at a portion of Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet.

She was later pronounced dead shortly after midnight on December 19.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Cabral surveyed the ravine in Tuba, which may indicate the "seriousness of the intent" to jump to her death.

However, the Philippine National Police earlier said that while some evidence points to a possible suicide, its investigation is still ongoing and no conclusion has yet to be reached.

Cabral has been linked to anomalous flood control projects by former Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo. He claimed that Cabral would ask him to submit a list of projects related to lump sum fund allocations of DPWH.—LDF, GMA Integrated News