Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina “Cathy” Cabral was found dead Thursday night at the Bued River, approximately 30 meters below Kennon Road in Barangay Camp 4, Tuba, Benguet.
Police reports state that Cabral’s driver, Ricardio Munos Hernandez, told authorities that while they were traveling along Kennon Road toward Baguio City, Cabral asked him to stop the vehicle around 3 p.m. She reportedly requested to be left alone at Purok Maramal, Sitio Camp 5, instructing Hernandez to return later.
Hernandez said he proceeded to a nearby gasoline station and returned at about 5 p.m., but Cabral was no longer at the location. After asking residents in the area if they had seen her, with no one able to provide information, he went to the Ion Hotel in Baguio City, where they were checked in, but she was not there.
The driver then reported the incident to police at Viewdeck Station 8 of the Baguio City Police Office. A search operation was immediately launched, leading to the discovery of Cabral’s body around 8 p.m.
Cabral had previously been linked by former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo to alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Following the incident, the Office of the Ombudsman directed authorities in Benguet to secure Cabral’s cellphone and other electronic devices. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano stated: “The Ombudsman’s office directs the authorities in Benguet to take custody of and preserve the cellphone and other gadgets of former Usec. Cathy Cabral.” (ZIA LUNA)
