DILG chief sacked over alleged mishandling of ex-DPWH exec's death probe

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has relieved the police chief of Tuba, Benguet for alleged mishandling of the investigation into the death of former DPWH undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral.

DILG Secretary Juanito Victor "Jonvic" Remulla cited negligence and failure to treat the scene as a crime scene, including not sealing the area, as reasons for the relief.

Remulla emphasized that even if signs pointed to suicide, proper crime scene protocols should have been observed, labeling the police work as "bad police work."

The Cordillera Administrative Region police confirmed the relief of Tuba acting police chief Police Major Peter Camsol Jr., who was replaced by Police Major Orville Wap.

Cabral's gadgets were given to her family instead of being turned over to authorities, which was a lapse in handling the crime scene.

Meanwhile, Benguet Police chief Police Colonel Lambert Suerte was retained in his post after he was able to negotiate with the deceased family for the autopsy.

The family of Cabral had initially opposed authorities' order to have her remains autopsied due to the supposed suspicious circumstances of her death, but later expressed willingness.

Her husband Cesar said it is their family's wish to bring her remains back to Metro Manila, so they can properly grieve.