The Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has directed a thorough investigation into the death of a former high-ranking public works official, whose case is linked to controversies surrounding government projects.
PNP Chief Mandates In-Depth Investigation
Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Police Regional Office (PRO) in the Cordillera region to conduct a deep probe into the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral. During a press briefing, Nartatez stated he has tasked the regional director of PRO-Cordillera Administrative Region to ensure all angles of the case are examined.
Cabral was declared dead after falling from a cliff along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet on Thursday night. Her death is connected to ongoing issues regarding flood control projects. Despite the incident, Nartatez pledged to continue gathering all necessary information and evidence related to anomalies in these projects. This follows the instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to thoroughly scrutinize the controversy and hold all involved parties accountable.
Autopsy, DNA Tests, and a 'Person of Interest'
PNP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño revealed that Cabral's driver is currently considered a "person of interest" in the case. He also stated that the CIDG has been directed to use its subpoena powers to obtain the cellphones of the deceased and her driver.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that Cabral's body is undergoing autopsy and DNA testing to verify her identity. "However, the family positively identified her already but we cannot rely on that alone kasi again baka may budol play dito eh. Maninigurado pa tayo. Baka budol play eh, di ba. Baka ibang katawan ginamit. Sabi ng pamilya sila na yun, pero baka tumakas sa ibang lugar, hindi ba. Marami kasing nagfi-fake ng death certificate eh, so naninigurado lang kami na siya talaga yun," Remulla said, expressing caution over potential fraud or deception surrounding the death.
Warning to Other Accused Individuals
Secretary Remulla issued a stern warning to other individuals accused in the flood control project anomalies, stating that death will not protect them from accountability. This underscores the government's commitment to pursuing the investigation regardless of the circumstances surrounding Cabral's demise.
The case continues to develop as authorities work to piece together the events leading to the former official's fatal fall while simultaneously untangling the web of alleged irregularities in DPWH flood control projects.
