Ex-DPWH Usec. Catalina Cabral found dead in Benguet

Philstar.com

December 19, 2025 | 12:05am

MANILA, Philippines (2nd update, 1:04 a.m.) — Former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral has died after allegedly falling from a cliff along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet, police said Thursday night, December 18.

Police said Cabral was earlier found unconscious along the Bued River, about 20 to 30 meters below the highway. She was later declared dead, according to initial reports from authorities on the ground.

Her remains have been brought to a local funeral parlor.

Police timeline. In a police report, the Benguet Police Provincial Office said Cabral and her driver were traveling along Kennon Road toward La Union at about 3 p.m. when Cabral asked the driver to stop in the Maramal area of Camp 5, Camp 4, and requested to be left there.

The driver, identified as Ricardo Munos Hernandez, said he proceeded to a nearby gasoline station after Cabral dismissed him. He returned to the area at around 5 p.m. but failed to locate her.

Police said the driver searched the vicinity and later went to a hotel in Baguio City, believing Cabral may have gone there, but again failed to find her. He returned to the Kennon Road area at around 7 p.m. and, after still failing to locate Cabral, reported the incident to police.

Responding personnel from the Baguio City Police Office and Tuba Municipal Police Station later found Cabral unconscious along the riverbank below the highway.

Rescue, investigation

Police coordinated with the Tuba Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Bureau of Fire Protection to retrieve Cabral from the area.

The incident was also referred to the Benguet Provincial Forensic Unit for scene-of-the-crime operations. Police said a progress report will follow as the investigation continues.

Amid corruption scandal. Cabral is among former Department of Public Works and Highways officials accused of facilitating budget insertions or “allocables” through the National Expenditure Program and has been recommended for administrative charges.

Former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo has also alleged that Cabral took part in a kickback scheme involving substandard and ghost flood control projects that allegedly benefited lawmakers and public officials.

Just last week, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure issued a subpoena for Cabral to attend its hearings. Police said she had not appeared before the panel before the incident.

Next steps. Upon news of Cabral's recovery, the Office of the Ombudsman directed Benguet authorities to take custody of and preserve her cellphone and other gadgets.

The same is to be turned over to the investigators at the proper time, according to Ombudsman spokesperson Mico Clavano.  — Reports from Ian Laqui and Dominique Nicole Flores