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December 24, 2025 | 4:22pm
Trigger warning: suicide, mental health issues
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said that former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Maria Catalina "Cathy" Cabral died of blunt traumatic injuries.
According to the medico-legal report, Cabral’s body was examined on December 20, a day after she was found unconscious in a ravine in Benguet.
The report concluded: “THE CAUSE OF DEATH IS BLUNT TRAUMATIC INJURIES TO THE HEAD, TRUNK, LEFT UPPER AND LOWER EXTREMITIES DUE TO FALL FROM THE HEIGHT.”
The examination revealed extensive injuries across her head, neck, torso and extremities.
For the head and neck, findings included abrasions and contusions on the right cheek, temporal region, side of the mouth and occipital region, as well as scalp hematomas and subdural hemorrhage at both temporal lobes extending to the base of the brain.
In the thorax and abdomen, the report noted abrasions on the right shoulder and left side of the back, along with multiple fractured ribs.
Extremity injuries included abrasions, contusions and lacerations on her arms, wrists, palms, hands and ankles.
Her left humerus, femur and ankle were also fractured. The stomach contained about 10ml of liquid and the rest of her organs were unremarkable.
Anti-depressant drugs. In a separate toxicology report by the PNP, Cabral was also found to be positive for anti-depressant drugs.
She tested positive for citalopram, which the report identified as an anti-depressant.
According to the PNP, test tubes labeled “urine” and “vitreous” yielded positive results for the medication.
Amid allegations of managing fraudulent flood control allocations and legislative insertions, Cabral was found dead in a Benguet ravine on December 19.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla later confirmed on December 22 that the investigation’s current findings indicate she took her own life.
If you or someone you know is struggling, contact the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at +63 917 899 8727 or 7989 8727 for immediate support.
