MANILA — The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has called for a full and exhaustive investigation into the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, stressing that her central role in the probe of controversial flood control projects demands closer scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding her demise.
In a statement, the Palace-created body urged authorities to carefully examine Cabral’s death to rule out any criminal involvement, noting that she was a key figure in the ongoing investigation into anomalous government infrastructure projects. Police earlier said Cabral died after an alleged fall in Benguet.
“Should authorities determine one, it is possible that those responsible may also be connected to the anomalous infrastructure projects,” the commission said on Friday.
Given Cabral’s position and access to sensitive information, the ICI also appealed to law enforcement agencies to immediately secure her personal and official records, including electronic devices, for possible forensic analysis.
“Usec. Catalina Cabral was one of the central figures in the on-going investigation of anomalous government infrastructure projects. As the former undersecretary for planning, she was no doubt privy to vital information,” the commission added.
The ICI likewise conveyed its sympathies to Cabral’s family and close associates.
Authorities said Cabral was discovered late Thursday night after she was reported missing. She was found “unconscious and unresponsive” about 20 to 30 meters below a section of Kennon Road, hours after she reportedly asked her driver to let her off in the area.
According to Tuba Municipal Police Station chief Police Major Peter Camsol, a municipal health officer pronounced Cabral dead at the scene near the Bued River at 12:03 a.m. on Friday.
Cabral stepped down from her DPWH post in September after being implicated in the flood control controversy./PN
