Suicide, murder, or accident? Questions surround death of former DPWH undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral

Authorities are investigating the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, whose body was recovered from a steep ravine along Kennon Road an incident drawing heightened public scrutiny given her past role in overseeing major flood control projects that have been the subject of ongoing controversy.

Police said Cabral was found at around 8:00 p.m. on December 18, approximately 20 to 30 meters below a highway near the Bued River. Her body was retrieved shortly before midnight and she was officially declared dead at 12:03 a.m. on December 19.

Last Known Movements

According to police investigation records, Cabral was traveling toward La Union at around 3:00 p.m. with her driver, Ricardo Munos Hernandez, when she asked to stop at Maramal, Camp 5 a mountainous section of road known for sharp curves, steep drop-offs, and limited visibility.

Investigators said Cabral instructed Hernandez to leave her at the location. The driver then proceeded to a nearby gasoline station and returned at approximately 5:00 p.m., but Cabral was no longer there.

After several hours of unsuccessful searching, Hernandez reported her disappearance to authorities.

Discovery of the Body

Officers from the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) Station 8 launched a search operation in the area. At around 8:00 p.m., police discovered Cabral lying near the Bued River, far below the highway.

Responding officers said she was unconscious and unresponsive when found. Due to the steep terrain and nighttime conditions, retrieval operations took several hours before her body could be safely recovered.

Flood Control Projects and Heightened Scrutiny

Cabral previously served as an undersecretary at the DPWH, an agency currently under intense public and institutional scrutiny over alleged irregularities involving multi-billion-peso flood control projects across several regions of the Philippines.

While authorities have not linked Cabral’s death to any specific investigation, her senior role in overseeing infrastructure and flood mitigation programs has fueled public questions, particularly as lawmakers and oversight bodies continue to probe allegations of ghost projects, inflated costs, and improper implementation within the department.

Investigators have not confirmed whether Cabral was under investigation, had been summoned by oversight bodies, or was cooperating in any ongoing probes at the time of her death.

Key Questions Under Investigation

Authorities have yet to determine whether Cabral fell accidentally, jumped, or was pushed. Police have also not disclosed whether investigators found injuries inconsistent with a fall or whether evidence such as CCTV footage, mobile phone data, vehicle movement records, or witness accounts has been secured.

Investigators are examining several unresolved questions, including:

• Why Cabral requested to be left alone at a remote roadside location

• What transpired during the two-hour window between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

• Whether environmental conditions, health issues, or third-party involvement played a role

• Whether her professional background or access to sensitive information is relevant to the case

• The exact cause and manner of death, pending forensic and autopsy findings

  
  

Ongoing Investigation

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and stressed that no conclusions have been reached. Authorities are coordinating with forensic experts and reviewing all available evidence to establish a complete timeline and determine whether criminal liability is involved.

Officials have urged the public to refrain from speculation as the case develops, citing the sensitivity of both the death investigation and the broader scrutiny surrounding public infrastructure spending.

No further details have been released as of press time.