Ombudsman orders DPWH to turn over Cabral’s devices for forensic probe

The Office of the Ombudsman on Monday announced that it has issued a subpoena duces tecum directing the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to immediately produce all computer and electronic devices previously issued to former undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral during her tenure at the agency.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the devices will undergo forensic examination as part of the investigation into the alleged flood control scandal.

“Upon turnover, these devices will be subjected to forensic examination by a law enforcement agency to determine whether any data was altered, deleted, or tampered with after the Flood Control Scandal was first made public,” the Office of the Ombudsman said.

“The Office expects prompt and full compliance with the subpoena in the interest of accountability and the integrity of the ongoing investigation,” it added.

Earlier, the Office of the Ombudsman coordinated with authorities in Benguet following reports of Cabral’s death as part of efforts to secure possible leads, including identifying individuals she may have interacted with prior to the incident.

“The reason for this is quite obvious because we want to know who are the people she talked to before this had happened, to see if there’s anything in relation to our investigation here with regards to the flood control investigations,” Clavano said.

Cabral was believed to possess critical information, including a supposed list of proponents that allegedly names individuals ranging from lawmakers to private persons.

Recently, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste claimed to have a copy of the alleged list but said he prefers that the DPWH decide on the release of the files to avoid compromising his work in Congress.