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

• The DILG confirmed that DNA tests matched the remains found in Tuba, Benguet, to former DPWH Undersecretary Catalina Cabral
• Results show she died from blunt force trauma consistent with a fall, with no gunshot wounds found on the body
• Previously, Cabral was found in a 30-meter ravine along Kennon Road after being reported missing by her driver
• It is worth noting that the undersecretary had been caught in the middle of the controversial DPWH corruption scandal prior her death

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has officially confirmed that the remains discovered in a ravine in Tuba, Benguet, are those of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina 'Cathy' Cabral.

In Inquirer's report, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla shared the news on Saturday, December 20, 2025, stating that DNA examinations are complete and have successfully matched Cabral’s identity. According to Remulla, the results also showed no gunshot wounds.

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According to the DILG, the ex-DPWH undersecretary had passed away due to blunt force trauma and that the injuries she sustained were also consistent with a fall.

The discovery follows a search operation that began after Cabral’s driver, Ricardo Hernandez, reported her missing. In GMA News' report, Hernandez claimed that Cabral had asked him to stop the vehicle along Kennon Road and leave her alone for a moment. When he returned, she was nowhere to be found. Her body was later retrieved by emergency responders from a 30-meter deep ravine, at the side of Bued River.

Previously, Cabral's family made headlines when they declined an autopsy. In the official report of ABS-CBN, her husband said that he personally saw his wife's injuries and that it was consistent with an accidental fall.

"Sa akin, hindi. Nakita naman nila. Wala namang pwedeng sabihin na may foul play. Tiningnan na rin ng NBI, medico," he said.

Following the news of her tragic passing this year, netizens recalled a past interview of Cabral where she admitted her fear of heights. The video has since gone viral in the local online community after her death.

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As previously reported by KAMI, police have now identified Cabral’s driver as a person of interest in the investigation into her death. The driver is undergoing up to 36 hours of examination to clarify his actions and possible role. Authorities questioned why Cabral was left alone in a remote area without her phone or bag. Investigators are also determining whether Cabral acted on her own or was influenced by external factors.

Meanwhile, on Friday, December 19 this year, the Benguet police finally confirmed the death of former DPWH Undersecretary Catalina Cabral after an alleged fall near the Bued River. Local authorities said Cabral was declared dead at the scene shortly after midnight on Friday. The Office of the Ombudsman ordered the preservation of Cabral’s cellphone and other electronic devices for investigation for the meantime. It is worth recalling that Cabral resigned earlier amid probes into flood control projects and alleged kickbacks.

Source: KAMI.com.gh