The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered a thorough investigation into the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Catalina Cabral, who was found dead in Tuba, Benguet.

PNP Acting Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said he directed the regional director of Police Regional Office–Cordillera Administrative Region to ensure that all possible angles surrounding the incident are examined to establish the cause of death and the circumstances leading to it.

“While there was already an initial impression regarding what happened, we should not rule out any factor until our forensic investigators are able to establish the cause of death and the circumstances surrounding it,” he said.

Cabral reportedly fell from a cliff along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet, on Thursday, 18 December.

According to police, the incident was reported by Cabral’s driver, who said she asked him to leave her briefly along a portion of Kennon Road while they were traveling from Baguio City to La Union. The driver narrated that he went to the nearest gas station and, upon returning, found that Cabral was no longer at the site.

The driver then went back to the hotel where they were staying and sought police assistance after failing to locate her. Cabral’s body was later found and brought to the nearest funeral parlor.

Nartatez said the investigation would include a forensic examination to determine the cause of death and would also look into Cabral’s alleged involvement in issues surrounding DPWH flood control projects, which have been the subject of public discussion.

The PNP chief said police investigators would continue gathering information and evidence related to the flood control controversy to look deeper into the matter and identify those involved.

“We will continue providing assistance in the ongoing investigation and case build-up on the bigger issue of flood control in the interest of truth and accountability,” he added.

Law enforcement authorities continue to handle the case, he further noted.