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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Magalong pushes autopsy on Cabral to determine exact cause of death

Magalong pushes autopsy on Cabral to determine exact cause of death

Published Dec 19, 2025 10:34 pm
MAGALONG (FB)
MAGALONG (FB)

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong here said the family of former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral rejected an autopsy and deoxyribonucleic acid test to determine the exact cause of her death.
Magalong, head of the Cordillera Regional Peace and Order Council (CRPOC), said her driver, Ricardo Hernadez, is currently in police custody for questioning.
Police have searched Cabral’s vehicle for potentially sensitive documents or items and found nothing.
Magalong, a former head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, said it would have been better to subject the body of the deceased official to an autopsy, especially since the cause of her death was suspicious.
Authorities have yet to determine if Cabral committed suicide or if there was foul play in her death.
Cabral’s body was recovered in the bottom of a ravine in Tuba town, Benguet province, on Dec. 18.
Cabral’s husband, Engr. Ceasar, lamented the autopsy and DNA procedure before they would be able to bring her remains home.
"My wife suffered a lot, 42 years in service, then this is what happened," Ceasar said.
He said they do not want her remains subjected to any further tests as he believes that her death was an accident.
“My wife only went to Baguio City to unwind due to the stress she was experiencing,” Ceasar said.
“We were here, with my children, to see if she was really my wife, she was and we wanted to bring him home immediately, but there are still many requirements that are needed. We are the ones who are suffering, we will feel like you are being tortured,” he said.
Meanwhile, Police Major Peter Camsol Jr., Tuba police chief, and Police Col. Lambert Suerte, Benguet police head, were reportedly relieved from their posts following the death of Cabral.
They were allegedly ordered relieved by Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla regarding their mishandling of Cabral’s case.

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Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong DPWH Catalina Cabral
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