PNP: Not ruling out any factor; DILG, DOJ: Flood control probe to continue
Former Public Works Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral was found dead on the bank of Bued River along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet Thursday evening.
Cabral, who was implicated in the flood control mess, was initially found unconscious at around 8 p.m. after allegedly falling into a ravine, the Tuba Municipal Police Station said.
Acting Justice Secretary Frederic Vida said the case can be considered “death under suspicious circumstances” even as the listed official cause was accidental falling.
He said there must be a mandatory autopsy in such cases.
Cabral, who served as Undersecretary for Planning, was identified as one of the alleged masterminds of the flood control scheme, along with former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Cabral held a central role in approving projects and determining fund allocations.
“The family has positively identified her, but we cannot rely on that alone. Baka may budol play. Baka ibang katawan ang ginamit (This might be a ploy. They might have used a different body),” he said.
For his part, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Nartatez Jr. said they are not yet ruling out any factor in the probe.
“I have already ordered a thorough investigation into this incident for us to have a clear picture of what happened. While there was already an initial impression regarding what happened, we should not rule out any factor until our forensic investigators are able to establish the cause of death and the circumstances surrounding it,” Nartatez said.
Cabral’s driver, Ricardio Hernandez, 56, said they were traveling toward the lowlands when she asked him to stop the vehicle along Kennon Road and to leave her there.
Hernandez said when returned to the area, Cabral was no longer there. He went back to the hotel in Baguio City where Cabral had been staying but did not find her there.
This prompted Cabral’s driver to report the incident to the Baguio City Police Station 8.
Search and rescue teams later found Cabral’s body along the Bued River, which is estimated to be 20 to 30 meters below the highway.
Cabral was brought to the Benguet General Hospital and Medical Center and was pronounced dead at 12:03 a.m. Friday.
The DPWH said it mourned the death of Cabral, who served the department for more than 40 years.
“We recognize the profound loss the family is facing and offer our sincerest prayers. The department urges everyone to respect the family’s need for privacy as they mourn and come to terms with the sudden loss. We thank you for your compassion and understanding,” the department said in a statement.
Both the Department of Justice and the Department of Interior and Local Government, however, said the investigation into the questionable flood control projects will continue and the filing of civil forfeiture cases against Cabral is still possible despite her death.
Remulla said accountability does not end with death.
“No matter what you do, the law will go after you. In life or in death, the wheels of justice will turn,” he said.
“Let me be clear: The death of a person does not mean the wheels of justice will stop. The government will do everything to recover stolen public funds,” he added.
For his part, Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon explained that civil liability survives the death of an individual.
“We will proceed with possible filing of civil forfeiture cases just to make sure that we are able to get hold or preserve assets,” he said.
Fadullon clarified, however, that Cabral’s death already extinguishes her possible criminal liability.
Remulla also issued a warning to other individuals implicated in the case to face the charges against them.
“To all accused, you should get thinking. Death will not protect you. Death will even bring greater shame to your family. Face up to the charges. Man up to the charges. Answer the charges. Have faith in the judicial system,” he said.
Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson described Cabral’s death as unfortunate and tragic, saying she could have helped expose alleged corruption in the DPWH.
Lacson, who chairs the Blue Ribbon Committee investigating flood control issues, expressed hope that Cabral may have left notes or files useful to ongoing inquiries.
“She could have significantly contributed to blowing wide open the extent of corruption not only in flood control projects but all other anomalies in the infrastructure program of the DPWH,” he said.
At the House, Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima said Cabral’s death “invites great suspicion.”
“The death of Cabral can benefit a lot of people. Needless to state, it adversely impacts, to a large degree, the ongoing flood control investigation because now, everything might be pinned on Cabral as the mastermind,” she said.
“Cabral’s residence, documents, and other personal effects should be applied for a seizure warrant and immediately secured by the authorities,” De Lima added.
Remulla noted possible lapses on the part of the police when they turned over the belongings, including the cellphone, of Cabral to her family.
“It was a crime scene so there were lapses on the part of the investigators. But we are doing everything we can now to retrieve these materials,” he said.
“The cellphone will be analyzed later. We’re asking it from the family,” Remulla added.
