PNP focuses on securing evidence in Cabral’s death

December 22, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police has now shifted its focus to checking and securing evidence linked to the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said investigators are now concentrating on establishing the circumstances that led to Cabral’s death after authorities confirmed the identity of the remains recovered in the ravine in Tuba, Benguet.

“With the confirmation of her death, we were able to clear up the speculation on the identity of the remains. The next step is to establish what really happened, and this is now the focus of all our efforts,” Nartatez noted.

He said Cabral’s driver is being questioned as part of the investigation, along with other measures to determine what transpired before her death.

Nartatez said the PNP is also coordinating with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure and other agencies to identify and secure possible evidence connected not only to Cabral’s death but also to the ongoing probe into alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

The acting police chief said the investigation is being handled with caution given the national attention surrounding the case, particularly because of Cabral’s alleged links to the multibillion-peso flood control controversy.

While acknowledging the sensitivity of the case for Cabral’s family, Nartatez said securing possible evidence in her possession is necessary due to strong public interest.

Additionally, Nartatez ordered tighter internal supervision of local police units involved in the case to prevent lapses, following the earlier relief of a police official in Tuba town.

The National Bureau of Investigation on Saturday searched the Baguio City hotel room where Cabral was believed to have stayed before her death on Dec. 18.

The NBI confirmed that its operatives in the Cordillera Administrative Region conducted the search based on a warrant issued by Executive Judge Michael Francisco of Baguio City Regional Trial Court Branch 6.

The NBI said the search warrant authorized agents to seize records and other items that could help shed light on Cabral’s death.

Hotel’s lawyer resigns

Perlita Chan-Rondez has resigned irrevocably as legal counsel of Ion Hotel, effective Dec. 20, saying she needed to focus on her well-being.

There are unconfirmed reports that Cabral bought the property earlier this year but sold it to Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, who will reportedly face arrest in connection with the flood control mess.

Based on investigations so far, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said there are no indications of foul play in the death. — Rainier Allan Ronda

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