The Office of the Ombudsman has issued a directive to secure and preserve the personal electronic devices of a former high-ranking public works official who died under mysterious circumstances. This move aims to aid the ongoing investigation into the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Catalina "Cathy" Cabral.
Ombudsman's Directive for Evidence Preservation
In a statement to reporters on Friday, December 19, 2025, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano confirmed the order. He stated that the Ombudsman's office has directed authorities in Benguet province to take custody of Cabral's cellphone and other gadgets. "The same is to be turned over to the investigators at the proper time," Clavano added, emphasizing the need for preserving potential digital evidence related to the case.
Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Incident
Cabral was discovered unconscious and unresponsive beside the Bued River in Tuba, Benguet, on the evening of Thursday, December 18, 2025. The location was approximately 20 to 30 meters below the Kennon Road highway, suggesting a significant fall. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at 12:03 a.m. on December 19. Local reports have described the incident as an "alleged fall" into a ravine, though the exact events leading to her death remain under investigation.
Background of Resignation and Allegations
This tragic event follows Cabral's resignation from the DPWH in September 2025. Her departure from the agency occurred amidst serious accusations linking her to various anomalies. The allegations included her involvement in:
- Budget insertions for certain projects.
- Questionable flood control projects.
- The alleged receipt of millions of pesos in kickbacks from anomalous public works contracts.
The directive from the anti-graft body ensures that potential digital evidence is not lost. It marks a critical step in an investigation that intertwines a sudden death with prior corruption claims, leaving many questions unanswered for the public and authorities alike.
