AN autopsy conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) has determined that former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina “Cathy” Cabral died from a “blunt traumatic injury consistent with a fall.” The results of the examination, which lasted from 12:02 a.m. to 3:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, were released by the police later that day.
The autopsy was performed to determine the cause and manner of Cabral’s death and to aid the police in their ongoing investigation.
Local police reported that Cabral’s family had agreed to the autopsy on Saturday. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla also confirmed this information to Rappler.
According to Benguet Police Provincial Director Police Colonel Lambert Suerte, Cabral’s husband, Cesar, gave his consent after consulting with family members and in the presence of three lawyers.
“After consultation within the family, consent was given for the autopsy, and we ensured that all legal and procedural requirements were followed,” Suerte stated.
Cabral, who had been implicated in alleged budget insertions within the DPWH, was found unconscious in Benguet on Thursday, December 18. She was pronounced dead at approximately 12:03 a.m. on Friday, December 19, shortly after her body was recovered.
The family initially declined an autopsy on Friday, prompting Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong to emphasize the need for authorities to properly explain the legal necessity of the examination to Cabral’s family.
