Cabral allegedly surveyed Kennon Rd ravine before jumping to her death, says DILG

• A ravine in Tuba, Benguet where Catalina Cabral later fell was earlier surveyed by her, according to investigators
• DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Cabral stopped at the exact spot hours before returning there
• Authorities said the location’s depth suggested an awareness that the fall would be fatal
• An autopsy found no signs of foul play and pointed to blunt force trauma as the cause of death

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the actions of former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Catalina Cabral before her death pointed to what investigators described as a deliberate intent.

Speaking on Sunday, Remulla said Cabral had earlier surveyed the ravine in Tuba, Benguet where she later fell, an act that authorities believe reflects the “seriousness of the intent” to end her life.

Investigators found that Cabral asked her driver to stop at the exact location while they were still on their way to Baguio City.

Read also

DILG confirms remains found in Tuba belong to Ex-DPWH Usec. Catalina Cabral

“Paakyat pa lang ng Baguio, pinatigil niya ang driver sa eksaktong lugar,” Remulla said.

He added that Cabral walked toward the edge but was noticed by police, who warned them that parking in the area was not allowed.

“Tapos naglakad na siya papunta doon sa edge,” Remulla said.

According to the Interior Secretary, Cabral and her driver then proceeded to their hotel, only for her to return to the same spot several hours later.

Remulla explained that the ravine had a drop of around 30 meters, comparable to a 10-storey building, and said investigators believed Cabral was aware that a fall from that height would likely be fatal.

“The seriousness of the intent is measured by the lethality of the means,” he said.

Cabral resigned from the DPWH in September following congressional probes into alleged fund irregularities linked to flood control projects.

She was also expected to be invited as a resource person by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure in its investigation into alleged ghost and substandard projects.

Read also

Driver of Cabral, now considered a person-of-interest by PNP

Remulla said an autopsy ruled out any criminal involvement.

“Ang autopsy po, number one, walang signs of foul play,” he said.

He added that the cause of death was consistent with a high-impact fall, citing extensive injuries revealed during the examination.

In a previous report by KAMI, the Bureau of Customs was said to be investigating around 40 luxury vehicles allegedly linked to the family of Sarah Discaya. The probe was initiated after a video interview went viral in which Discaya showcased their collection of high-end cars, drawing the attention of authorities. Customs officials are now reviewing importation records, including the identities of the listed consignees, to check for possible violations of customs laws. Discaya has also been associated with contractors involved in flood control projects that are currently under scrutiny by the Senate. In a separate development, former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Catalina Cabral was recently reported to have died.

Meanwhile, broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez-Roxas stirred reactions online after sharing a photo on her Instagram account. The image showed her standing in front of a palace-like structure during a trip to Disneyland. In her caption, Korina used humor to reference a past issue, opening her post with the phrase, "My P10 Million Palace." The line was widely interpreted by netizens as a lighthearted nod to earlier allegations made against her by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.

Read also

Family of late DPWH Usec Cabral signs waiver against autopsy; insists death was an accident

Source: KAMI.com.gh