Authorities have ruled out foul play in the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, attributing it to suicide. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla made the announcement, citing findings from the ongoing investigation.
Investigation Points to Suicide
In a detailed statement, Secretary Remulla clarified the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. Cabral initially surveyed a ravine in Tuba, Benguet, and returned to the same spot an hour later to jump. The height of the fall was approximately 30 meters, comparable to a ten-story building.
Remulla emphasized the severity of the injuries, which indicated a clear intent. "What we saw was that the right side of her face was shattered, the back of her head was injured. Her ribs had pierced her internal organs, and her legs were broken," he stated. The investigation found no signs of struggle inside her car, and no foreign skin cells were discovered under her fingernails. Furthermore, no gunshot wounds were present.
Link to Flood Control Probe Intensifies Scrutiny
Despite the initial findings, the case remains under intense scrutiny due to Cabral's alleged involvement in the multi-billion peso flood control controversy. Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., confirmed the investigation is being handled with utmost care given its national interest.
The PNP is coordinating with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and other agencies to secure all potential evidence related to the flood control probe. This includes securing Cabral's electronic gadgets, such as her laptop and cellphone. Nartatez stressed that this step is crucial for transparency and accountability in the separate investigation into the alleged anomalies.
PNP Vows Thorough Probe and Internal Review
To ensure a meticulous process, General Nartatez has ordered stricter internal supervision of the local police units involved in the Cabral case. This move comes after a police official in Tuba was relieved due to lapses. "This is not only to clarify the circumstances of her death but also to support our ongoing probe into the alleged flood control anomalies in the DPWH, so that no evidence is left unchecked," Nartatez explained.
He renewed the PNP's commitment to the flood control investigation and appealed to the public to avoid speculation and await official results. The police force pledges to continue enhancing training and enforcing accountability measures for all its investigations.
