MAGALONG
BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong said there is no foul play in the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral in Barangay Camp 4, Kennon Road, Tuba, Benguet.
“Personally, I am convinced that there was no foul play, and I also have no doubt that the person who was recovered is Cabral,” Magalong said after the PNP Forensic Group on Monday presented the results of numerous technical tests conducted in connection with Cabral’s death.
Magalong, a retired Philippine National Police (PNP) general and veteran investigator, said available evidence does not suggest criminal involvement and supports the conclusion that Cabral died from injuries sustained after falling from a high place.
The autopsy report released said Cabral died of blunt traumatic injuries to the head, torso, and left upper and lower body due to a fall from a high place.
There were also fractures to the left femur, tibia, and fibula, a dislocated hip joint, and extensive injuries consistent with a high-impact fall.
The autopsy placed the estimated time of death between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Dec. 18, the day she was last seen alive.
Magalong said there were indications in the case that, in his view, should not be misinterpreted or sensationalized, including items recovered from Cabral's personal belongings that were documented during the investigation.
However, he stressed that conclusions should be based on proven forensic results and not conjecture.