Ex-DPWH undersecretary's body tests positive for antidepressant

The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced that the remains of former DPWH Undersecretary Catalina Cabral tested positive for the antidepressant citalopram.

Citalopram, an SSRI antidepressant used to treat depression, was detected in urine and vitreous fluid samples from Cabral's body.

Cabral was found dead on December 19 in a ravine in Benguet, amid an investigation into flood control projects where she was accused of managing budget allocations.

According to PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., a knife was found in the hotel where she stayed prior to her death, and the drug was among items recovered by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) during a hotel room search.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated on December 22 that all circumstances surrounding her death indicate suicide.

A histopathological examination found no abnormalities or terminal diseases, and the cause of death was described as consistent with scalp and subdural hematomas on Cabral's brain.