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DNA testing on body, retrieval of Cabral’s gadgets ordered
The Office of the Ombudsman has directed Benguet authorities to preserve the gadgets of former public works undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, who was found unconscious along Bued River at Kennon Road.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano emphasized the critical need to secure Cabral's cellphone and other electronic devices, stating, "We need her phone at ALL COST!"
Cabral resigned from her post at the Department of Public Works and Highways in September after being implicated in alleged budget insertions for ghost flood control projects in exchange for kickbacks.
She was among public works officials recommended to face charges at the Ombudsman's office in connection with the flood control corruption scandal.
The Ombudsman's office intends to take custody of her devices for investigation, as information extracted from them would be crucial.
Cabral's family has been cooperative regarding an autopsy and authorities are hopeful they will also cooperate with the request to turn over her gadgets.
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Lawmakers are calling for an investigation into the death of former DPWH Undersecretary Catalina Cabral, who died after an alleged fall from a cliff along Kennon Road.
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The Ombudsman intends to secure cyber warrants for the electronic gadgets of the late Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina "Cathy" Cabral.
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Former DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral was questioned by five Ombudsman prosecutors on December 3, 2025, about alleged irregularities in flood control projects, more than two weeks before her death.
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The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that former DPWH Undersecretary Cathy Cabral, who passed away recently, was included in a plunder case related to anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan.
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Former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral was found dead at a ravine along Kennon Road, Camp 5, Tuba, Benguet.
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