Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

Article (news)

Jamaine Punzalan

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176611980493120251219-dpwh-usec-catalina-cabral-HoR.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Catalina Cabral attends House a probe into flood control programs, September 9, 2025. House of Representatives</span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Friday called on investigators to “ensure that there is no foul-play” in the death of former Department of Public Works undersecretary Catalina Cabral, who had been implicated in alleged budget insertions tied to flood control anomalies. </p><p>The ICI noted that as the former undersecretary for planning, Cabral “was no doubt privy to vital information.” </p><p>The body asked law enforcement agencies to “immediately secure and preserve all her documents, gadgets, and computers for possible digital forensics examination.”</p><p>“The commission likewise calls for a prompt and thorough investigation of the death of Usec. Cabral to ensure that there is no foul-play,” the ICI said. </p><p>“Should authorities determine one, it is possible that those responsible may also be connected to the anomalous infrastructure projects,” it said. </p><p>Cabral was <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/18/former-dpwh-usec-cabral-found-unconscious-after-falling-from-benguet-cliff-police-say-2355">found dead after an alleged fall from a cliff</a> along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet on Thursday night.</p><p>The former official, who denied allegations linking her to budget insertions, skipped a Dec. 15 hearing of the ICI. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/19/driver-recounts-events-before-cabral-s-death-0806">&#x27;Okay naman po ang aura niya&#x27;: Driver recounts events before Cabral&#x27;s death</a></div><p>The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered authorities in Benguet to take custody of and preserve the cellphone and other gadgets of Cabral.</p><p>&quot;The same is to be turned over to the investigators at the proper time,&quot; Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said Thursday. </p><p>Meanwhile, Akbayan party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña said that as a key figure in the flood control investigations, Cabral’s death “raises serious questions: Who will benefit most from her death?”</p><p>“Will the truth die with her? Will she be the ‘fall guy’ in this grand corruption scandal?” he said in a statement. “In the interest of integrity and continuity of the investigations, we call for the immediate securing of all her relevant digital records.”</p><p>“The government must further guarantee the safety of all witnesses, suspects, and persons of interest. We also urge that any ill-gotten wealth, if proven, be returned to public funds,” he added.</p><div><iframe width="726" height="408" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fm10Lrfu7jw" title="Ex-DPWH Usec. Cabral natagpuang patay sa Benguet" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Friday called on investigators to “ensure that there is no foul-play” in the death of former Department of Public Works undersecretary Catalina Cabral, who had been implicated in alleged budget insertions tied to flood control anomalies.</p>

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Friday called on investigators to “ensure that there is no foul-play” in the death of former Department of Public Works undersecretary Catalina Cabral, who had been implicated in alleged budget insertions tied to flood control anomalies.

ICI tells investigators: 'Ensure no foul play’ in Cabral death

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ICI tells investigators: 'Ensure no foul play’ in Cabral death

Jamaine Punzalan,

ABS-CBN News

Published Dec 19, 2025 08:58 AM PHT

|

Updated Dec 19, 2025 01:13 PM PHT

Read More:

ICI

Cabral

DPWH Cabral

Cabral death

Catalina Cabral

Cathy Cabral

DPWH

corruption

flood control

baha

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