The investigation into the tragic death of former Public Works Undersecretary Maria Catalina “Cathy” Cabral has taken a sharp turn toward the personal dynamics of her family. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed on Monday that while Cabral’s driver currently appears cleared of suspicion, the behavior of her husband, Ceasar Cabral, has raised several “red flags” for investigators.
Driver Cleared by Selfie and Statements
Cabral was discovered lifeless in a deep ravine in Tuba, Benguet, on December 18. Initial suspicion fell on her driver, Ricardo Muños Hernandez, who reported her missing two hours after leaving her alone on the roadside at her own request.
However, Remulla noted that digital forensic analysis and extensive interviews suggest Hernandez is “clear and clean” for now. A viral selfie taken by the driver, which many social media users found eerie, was explained by Remulla as a moment of personal joy. According to the driver, Cabral had just promised to help him build a house, prompting him to take the photo. The image shows Cabral sitting on a concrete barrier in the background, appearing contemplative.
Red Flags and Strained Relations
The focus has now shifted to the reaction of Cabral’s husband, Ceasar. Remulla described his demeanor during the identification of the body as unusually stoic.
“He was very straight to the point, he was not crying,” Remulla stated during an ANC interview. “It raises a lot of red flags for us.”
Furthermore, Ceasar initially refused to allow an autopsy, claiming the death was a simple accident despite police viewing it as a potential suicide. Investigators have since confirmed that the couple’s relationship had been strained for a long period, though they continued to live together.
Autopsy Results and Next Steps
Despite the husband’s objections, authorities proceeded with an autopsy to ensure a thorough investigation. The results confirmed:
- Cause of Death: Blunt force trauma consistent with a long fall.
- No Signs of Struggle: No foreign skin cells were found under Cabral’s fingernails, supporting the theory that there was no physical altercation immediately preceding the fall.
While the evidence currently points toward suicide, the “strange” behavior of the bereaved husband has kept the Philippine National Police (PNP) on high alert. For now, the case remains open as authorities piece together the final hours of one of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) most prominent former officials.