DNA test results are out: Identity of human remains found in Benguet ravine revealed

• The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has officially confirmed that the remains discovered in Tuba, Benguet, belong to former DPWH Undersecretary Catalina Cabral
• Forensic experts used DNA testing to verify her identity after the body was recovered from a ravine along the Bued River near Kennon Road
• Initial autopsy results indicate that Cabral died from severe injuries consistent with a fall, and no gunshot wounds were found on the body during the examination
• The investigation into the circumstances of her death remains ongoing, with authorities focusing on forensic evidence and upcoming testimony from her driver

The mystery surrounding the identity of the human remains found in the rugged terrain of Tuba, Benguet, has finally come to an end. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently made the solemn announcement that the body belongs to former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Catalina Cabral.

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The confirmation was made possible through extensive DNA testing, which authorities said was carefully matched with her known identity. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that the results were reliable, providing the necessary certainty to move forward with the next steps of the investigation.

Aside from identifying the remains, the medical examination offered vital clues about her final moments. According to the DILG, the injuries found on the body were consistent with a high-impact fall, and there were no signs of gunshot wounds. This information has helped investigators rule out several early speculations while focusing more on the actual circumstances surrounding the incident in the ravine.

Catalina Cabral was a high-ranking official with a long career at the DPWH, often recognized as one of the most senior female figures in the agency. However, her name had recently been caught in the middle of a political storm. Before her passing, Cabral was mentioned in congressional discussions regarding large-scale flood control projects and how these contracts were awarded.

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Despite the controversies tied to her professional life, the DILG and the police have emphasized that the current priority is the truth behind her death. As the family prepares for her final rites, her husband is expected to turn over her personal belongings to the police, which may hold additional details about her last days. The goal, they explained, is to ensure that all facts are carefully reviewed and no important detail is overlooked.

The resolution of the identification process brings a sense of closure to her loved ones, even as the public waits for more updates. The transition from forensic confirmation to the deeper investigation of the scene is now the focus of local authorities.

To better understand the events leading up to this confirmation, here are some of the key developments previously reported by Kami.com.ph:

Shortly after the body was found, Secretary Jonvic Remulla shared the initial findings of the autopsy with the public. The report highlighted that the injuries sustained by the former undersecretary were due to a strong impact, which strongly suggested a fall from a significant height. This early data was crucial in steering the investigation away from theories involving firearms and toward a more focused look at the location where she was discovered.

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Another piece of the puzzle involved a viral photo that surfaced online showing the former official with her driver. Secretary Remulla confirmed the authenticity of the "selfie," which helped investigators establish a clearer timeline of her whereabouts before she went missing in Benguet. The driver, who was the last person to see her alive, remains a key figure in providing testimony for the ongoing police probe.

Source: KAMI.com.gh