By ZALDY COMANDA
BAGUIO CITY – The autopsy on the remains of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral revealed she died from blunt traumatic injuries consistent with a fall, according to findings released by the Regional Forensic Unit-Cordillera.
The procedure was conducted at about 3:45 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at the Cordillera Serenity Memorial in Irisan, Baguio City, led by Police Major Nolan O. Genova, autopsy team leader, and witnessed by Cabral’s husband, Engr. Cesar.
Authorities confirmed the activity was completed peacefully and in an orderly manner.
Cabral’s body had been recovered at the bottom of a ravine in Tuba, Benguet, on Dec. 18.
Her driver, Ricardo Hernandez, remains in police custody for questioning, though investigators found no sensitive documents or items in her vehicle.
The autopsy was initially resisted by Cabral’s family, who wanted to immediately bring her remains home.
Her husband lamented the requirement, describing it as “torture,” and maintained his belief that her death was an accident.
“My wife suffered a lot, 42 years in service, then this is what happened. She only went to Baguio City to unwind due to the stress she was experiencing,” Cesar said.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who also heads the Cordillera Regional Peace and Order Council, had pressed for the autopsy, stressing its importance in clarifying whether suicide or foul play was involved.
The controversy also extended to the police handling of the case.
On Dec. 19, Police Col. Lambert Suerte and Police Major Peter Camsol Jr., chief of the Tuba Municipal Police Station, were relieved from their posts for allegedly mishandling the investigation.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the officers failed to treat the incident site as a possible crime scene, noting that Cabral’s belongings were turned over directly to her family instead of authorities.
The Police Regional Office–Cordillera confirmed Camsol’s relief and appointed Police Major Orville Wap, deputy chief of La Trinidad MPS, as his replacement.
Suerte, however, remained in his post as of yesterday after successfully coordinating with Cabral’s family to allow the autopsy.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Cabral’s death, with the autopsy results now providing a clearer basis for determining whether foul play was involved or if it was indeed a tragic accident.
