Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong – Photo from Benjie Magalong – Public Servant/ Facebook
Former Public Works Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral had asked to be left alone near a rockfall netting site along Kennon Road that is now the subject of a planned criminal complaint, Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong said on Sunday.
Magalong said documentation on alleged irregularities in the quality of work and sourcing of rock-netting materials had already been submitted to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon.
Cabral traveled to Baguio City on Thursday morning, Dec. 18, and was reported missing later that day by her driver, prompting a joint search by police in Baguio and Benguet’s Tuba town.
She was found “unconscious and unresponsive” along the Bued River at Kennon Road at around 8 p.m. and was officially declared dead shortly after midnight on Friday.
Her remains were recovered near the rock-netting area in Purok Maramal, Sitio Camp 5, Barangay Camp 4, and later turned over to her family, police said.
Magalong said he had already submitted a detailed report on the rockfall netting projects to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who inspected the area in August.
Asked about the status of the investigation, the mayor said, “It’s done. It has been submitted to ICI and DPWH. It’s a complete case investigation folder.”
He said a case may be filed against the engineers who supervised the project and the contractor involved.
Magalong also said the contractor’s rock-net materials were supplied by a company owned by the brother of Benguet Rep. Eric Go Yap, who has been linked to a public works kickback scandal.
Police are continuing their investigation into Cabral’s death, including the actions of her driver, while authorities also sought security footage from nearby establishments.