Statement of Malacañang on Former DPWH Usec. Cabral’s Sudden Passing
Malacañang spoke on the unexpected death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral.
The initial reports of the police stated that ex-DPWH Usec. Maria Catalina Cabral allegedly died from falling from a cliff in Tuba, Benguet. The authorities found her unconscious and unresponsive near the river.
The driver of Cabral, Cardo Hernandez, admitted that he was with the former DPWH Undersecretary from morning until around 2:30 p.m. yesterday when she asked to be left at the Kennon Road. They allegedly headed to Baguio from Manila to distress.
According to the driver, they were allegedly at the Kennon Road early in the morning for some pastime but the police authorities supposedly asked them to leave the accident-prone area. He claimed that they went straight to Baguio where they ate and checked in at a hotel.
Cardo Hernandez further claimed that former DPWH Usec. Maria Catalina Cabral told him that they will go back at the Kennon Road. He allegedly left her there at 2:30 p.m. and he could no longer find her when he returned.
The remains of Cabral was found near the river on the even of Thursday. It was brought to the local funeral parlor. Recently, Malacañang was asked about the sudden death of the former DPWH Undersecretary.
Malacañang press officer undersecretary Claire Castro extended the Palace’s condolences to the bereaved family of ex-DPWH undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral. Based on a post of News5 on social media, what happened was really saddening.
“Nakikiramay po tayo sa pamilya na naiwan ni former Usec. Catalina Cabral. Nakakalungkot po ang nangyari,” the Malacañang press official said.
The investigation on the death of the former Public Works official is ongoing. Undeniably, there are speculations that her death may have something to do with the flood control issue in the country. She’s one of the DPWH officials who were tagged in the budget insertion issue.
Cabral resigned from her position last September. Her resignation was accepted by Public Works Chief Vince Dizon two (2) days after she tendered her resignation letter. Recently, the Ombudsman spoke on the gadgets of former DPWH Usec. Maria Catalina Cabral following her death.