NBI: Cabral cellphone still with family

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December 26, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines —  The cellphone of the late public works undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral is still in the possession of her family, and any move by authorities to examine it as part of a probe on her death would require the consent of her next of kin, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said yesterday.

In an interview with ABS-CBN, NBI spokesman Palmer Mallari said law enforcers may apply for a cyber warrant if the device is believed to contain potential evidence connected to the ongoing investigation on alleged flood control anomalies.

“Considering that the cellphone is now in the possession of the family, if the investigation involves the death of Usec. Cabral, we really have to seek the consent of the family for the cellphone to be examined,” Mallari said in the interview.

“But when we talk about potential evidence involving the flood control investigation, this is hypothetical, if there is possible evidence that can be obtained from the cellphone, and considering that it is already in the possession of the family, the option for law enforcement is to apply for a cyber warrant,” he added.

Mallari explained that a cyber warrant, or a warrant to search, seize and examine computer data, authorizes not only the seizure of a digital device but also its forensic examination, particularly if the family does not voluntarily surrender the phone.

The NBI said that even if the cellphone had been altered or tampered with, forensic examination could still determine usage patterns and detect deleted or manipulated data, provided that proper documentation and a valid chain of custody are established. Cabral died after falling into a ravine along Kennon Road, Tuba, Benguet on Dec. 18.

Authorities are conducting parallel investigations on her death and alleged irregularities in flood control projects linked to her office.

Cabral’s properties

In an earlier interview with “Storycon” on One News, Mallari said the NBI is coordinating with the Registry of Deeds to determine the ownership and operational control of properties linked to Cabral.

Mallari said the move was prompted by questions surrounding the ownership of the Ion Hotel in Baguio City, where Cabral reportedly stayed before her death.

“To settle the issue, we requested official documents to determine who the real owner is, whether there was a transfer, and who controls the operations of the company that owns the Ion Hotel,” Mallari said in Filipino.

Mallari said the NBI has already prepared the return of the search warrant filed before the issuing court and is awaiting the court’s disposition before disclosing details on items seized from Cabral’s hotel room.

He said the evidence gathered may support the Philippine National Police’s initial findings on Cabral’s death but stressed that these are not yet conclusive.

Mallari also said the NBI continues to receive dashcam footage along Kennon Road, where Cabral was last seen. The NBI is still validating the recordings.

The NBI Cordillera Administrative Region is leading the probe, with support from the bureau’s Homicide Investigation Division in Manila.

Mallari said the NBI is also receiving reports from the PNP, including autopsy findings and other relevant documents.

Still no big fish?

Meanwhile, House deputy minority leader and ACT teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio slammed yesterday President Marcos for his “anemic pursuit of big fish” in the flood control anomaly.

“Why no big fish arrested today, Christmas? The anemic pursuit of big fish, selective prosecution and lackluster arrests that have marked the administration’s grand anti-corruption campaign are a direct result of allowing President Marcos Jr. to evade accountability and shield himself and his highest officials from investigation,” Tinio said.

He chastised Marcos for allowing former public works secretary Manuel Bonoan to leave the country. He lamented that former executive secretary Lucas Bersamin, former budget secretary Amenah Pangandaman and undersecretary Jojo Cadiz had been removed but allowed to keep their silence.

“Despite this, the Ombudsman has not investigated any of them. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee lost interest when the trail led to Malacañang. The House packed up their investigation early in the game. Even certain influential members of civil society have opted to engage Pres. Marcos Jr. on meaningful reforms rather than seriously interrogate him and his cabinet on their role in the flood control scam,” Tinio said. “There is no big fish because that is what they want, Tinio said.” - Jose Rodel Clapano