An autopsy has confirmed that former DPWH undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral died from blunt force injuries sustained in a fall into a ravine near the Bued River in Tuba, Benguet, with no evidence of foul play, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said. This follows her body's discovery on December 18 amid probes into multibillion-peso flood control anomalies, as her family mourns and authorities eye asset forfeiture against her estate.
Maria Catalina "Cathy" Cabral's body was found on December 18, 2025, near the Bued River below Kennon Road in Barangay Camp 4, Tuba, Benguet, after she reportedly exited her vehicle alone while traveling with her driver. An autopsy by the Police Regional Office-Cordillera forensic team, conducted December 20, confirmed death by blunt force trauma, including facial fractures, head injuries, ribs piercing organs, and broken legs. No gunshot, stab, or ligature wounds were present, and there were no defensive injuries or signs of struggle.
Her husband, Cesar Cabral, observed the autopsy at Cordillera Serenity Memorial in Baguio City. Remulla noted, "Fingerprint comparison matches. Death was caused by blunt force trauma."
Cabral, a 40-year DPWH veteran and first female undersecretary, had resigned in September 2025 amid House and Ombudsman probes into P51 billion in anomalous flood control projects from 2019-2022. No charges were filed against her before her death, her lawyer Mae Divinagracia said, urging restraint from speculation.
Investigations continue independently of her testimony, per Rep. Terry Ridon. The DOJ and Ombudsman plan civil asset forfeiture for potential ill-gotten gains, said Asst. Ombudsman Mico Clavano. Tuba police chief Maj. Peter Camsol was relieved, a Special Investigation Task Group "Cabral" formed, and a search warrant issued for nearby CCTV.
