The Philippine government has ordered forensic examinations to confirm the identity of a body recovered in Benguet, believed to be former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Catalina Cabral. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced the decision for DNA and autopsy tests on Friday, December 19, 2025.
Forensic Confirmation Amidst Initial Reports
Secretary Remulla stated that while the family has provisionally identified the remains, authorities cannot rely solely on that identification. "We are now going to mandate an autopsy and a DNA test to be absolutely certain about the manner of death -- whether there was foul play or not," he said during a press conference at Camp Crame. He added that initial reports indicated no foul play, but the possibility of deception necessitated further verification.
Remulla elaborated on the need for caution, citing instances of falsified death certificates. "The family says it was her, but she might have escaped to another place. Many people falsify death certificates, so we are just making sure that it is really her," he explained.
Link to Flood Control Project Investigation
The announcement comes as Cabral faces serious allegations related to her tenure at the DPWH. Remulla tagged her as one of the two "principal architects" in an alleged flood control scam, alongside retired Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo. As undersecretary for planning, Cabral was described as the official who approved projects and dictated where funds were allocated.
Remulla emphasized that the legal process continues regardless of an individual's status. "In life or in death, the wheels of justice will turn," he asserted, noting that asset recovery proceedings would proceed if guilt is proven. The Ombudsman has also directed the preservation of Cabral's electronic gadgets as part of its investigation.
Circumstances of the Incident and Cabral's Legacy
The body was found after Cabral was reported to have fallen from a cliff along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet, on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Her driver informed police that she asked to be left alone briefly during their trip from Baguio City to La Union.
Catalina Cabral was a distinguished civil engineer with two doctorate degrees. She made history as the first female rank-and-file employee promoted to undersecretary at the DPWH and served as the first female president of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers. She resigned from the DPWH in September 2025 following her implication in alleged irregularities concerning flood control projects involving budget insertions and possible kickbacks. Charges of graft and malversation had been recommended against her and other former officials.
The Philippine National Police, under General Rommel Francisco Marbil, continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
