Interior Sec. Jonvic Remulla on the press briefing of DILG on Dec. 19, 2025 – Screen grabbed from DILG livestream/Facebook
The government will continue pursuing the flood control corruption investigation despite the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on Friday.
“Ang pagkamatay ng isang tao ay hindi ibig sabihin, titigil ang gulong ng hustiya, hahabulin namin lahat ng nakaw-yaman, buhay o patay,” Remulla said, repeating the statement several times during the press briefing.
Cabral was found dead past midnight Friday at the bottom of a ravine along Cannon Road in Benguet, about 20 to 23 meters from where she was last seen, according to police.
“She was found unconscious and unresponsive and was declared dead on arrival when she arrived at the hospital,” Remulla said, adding that authorities ordered an autopsy and DNA testing.
“She is still undergoing autopsy and a DNA test to make sure that it’s really her, baka budol-budol ito e, naninigurado lang tayo na siya talaga iyan,” he added.
Police admitted there were lapses in the initial handling of the scene. “Any death of that nature is considered a crime scene,” Remulla said, noting that the body and belongings were turned over to the family before a full forensic examination was conducted.
Authorities said Cabral’s cellphone and electronic devices are currently with her family. “We’re going to ask it later,” Remulla said, adding that access to her phone and laptops would be sought through a subpoena from the Sandiganbayan, Ombudsman, or the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Remulla said investigations linked to the flood control scandal will proceed even with Cabral’s death. “May money trail at evidence trail pa rin na hahabulin,” he said, noting that authorities will examine assets, cash flow, and possible civil forfeiture if warranted.
“So far, she has been tagged as one of the suspects… as one of the masterminds in the flood control scandal,” Remulla said, adding that all probes by the Ombudsman and Department of Justice are ongoing.
Police said there are no confirmed indications of foul play so far, but stressed that the investigation remains open. “Everyone is considered a suspect na kasama niya beforehand,” Remulla said, pending the results of forensic tests and witness interviews.