PNP to focus on securing evidence in Cabral’s death

MANILA, Philippines, December 23 ------ The Philippine National Police (PNP) has shifted its focus toward investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of former Public Works and Highways undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral and securing potential evidence related to a multi-billion-peso flood control controversy.

In a statement, PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said the case is now a matter of "national interest" due to Cabral's alleged involvement in the ongoing infrastructure probe. “With the confirmation of her death, we were able to clear things up on the speculations of the identity of the remains. The next step is to establish what really happened and this is now the focus of all our efforts in relation to this case,” Nartatez said.

As part of this effort, Cabral’s driver is currently undergoing interrogation. The PNP is also taking further measures to "shed light" on the former official’s final days before she was reported dead. The PNP is also coordinating with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure and other government agencies to determine which pieces of evidence in Cabral's possession need to be prioritized for the flood control investigation. “Aside from the conduct of the investigation into this incident, the Philippine National Police is actively working with other agencies in securing all the pieces of evidence with regard to the ongoing investigation into the flood control controversy,” Nartatez said. “This is really important for us as part of the commitment that we declare at the start of the flood control investigation that your PNP is committed to assist in finding the truth and pursue transparency and accountability,” he added.

Cabral was found unresponsive near the Bued River, roughly 30 meters below a highway in Benguet, on December 18—shortly after parting ways with her driver. Before her death, the Department of Justice was set to refer a plunder complaint against her to the Office of the Ombudsman regarding alleged anomalies in Bulacan's flood control systems. Her remains were brought back to Manila on the evening of December 20.

Source: philstar.com