Former DPWH Undersecretary Catalina Cabral may have slid down ravine intentionally

• Police forensic team indicates Cabral likely slid down the ravine herself, rather than being pushed
• 3D scans of the site showed her body landed just 0.2 meters from the ravine base, inconsistent with a push
• Autopsy confirmed death from blunt traumatic injuries caused by a fall, occurring between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on December 18
• Toxicology revealed she was taking the antidepressant citalopram, which may affect decision-making and increase suicidal tendencies

Police investigators revealed that forensic evidence points to former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Catalina Cabral possibly sliding down a ravine along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet on her own, rather than being pushed, as initially speculated.

Col. Pierre Paul Carpio, officer-in-charge of the Philippine National Police Forensic Group, explained that authorities employed 3D scanning technology to reconstruct the incident site.

The scans showed that the ravine had a vertical drop of approximately 16.9 meters, equivalent to six to nine floors.

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“‘Yung correlation makikita niyo ang layo nung katawan ng ating victim or cadaver or is around only 0.2 meters around the base of the ravine. So kung tinulak ito chances are lalayo pa siya doon,” Carpio said.

He added that visible abrasions on Cabral’s hands and back suggested she likely slid down the slope.

“Makikita niyo dito ang kamay niya ay mas gasgas pati ‘yung likod may gasgas. So ang laki ng probabilidad na nagpadausdos siya,” he noted.

The autopsy determined that Cabral’s death was caused by blunt traumatic injuries from a high fall, occurring between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on December 18.

Earlier toxicology reports indicated she had been taking citalopram, an antidepressant, which may cause drowsiness, weakness, and influence decision-making.

Carpio explained that such medications have calming effects and are monitored closely because they may contribute to suicidal behavior.

Authorities are still awaiting DNA samples from Cabral’s relatives to serve as references, though none have volunteered yet.

Despite this, Carpio confirmed that fingerprint analysis has already verified her identity. The investigation continues as police finalize all forensic findings.

In an earlier KAMI article, the Bureau of Customs was reported to be conducting a more thorough review of the importation of around 40 luxury vehicles allegedly linked to the family of Sarah Discaya. The scrutiny followed a viral interview that highlighted the family’s collection of high-end cars. Authorities said the BOC is checking import documents, shipping records, and declared consignees to determine whether any customs rules were violated. The issue has drawn wider attention as Discaya has also been linked to contractors involved in flood control projects now under Senate review. Around the same period, the reported death of former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Catalina Cabral added to the series of developments being closely monitored by the public.

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Meanwhile, veteran broadcaster Korina Sanchez-Roxas stirred online discussion after posting a photo from her recent visit to Disneyland. She was seen posing in front of a palace-like attraction, which quickly caught the attention of netizens. Her caption opening with “My P10 Million Palace” drew mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a playful nod to past allegations made by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, while others saw it as a lighthearted remark.

Source: KAMI.com.gh