Ombudsman subpoenas late DPWH usec’s data devices

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 Catalina Cabral during her time at the agency.

According to a statement issued by Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano, the devices will be subjected to forensic examination to determine if they contain data relevant to 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 Ombudsman requested assistance from authorities in Benguet following reports of Cabral’s death, as investigators sought to secure possible leads on individuals the former undersecretary may have interacted with prior to her death.

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

Cabral was believed to possess crucial information related to the alleged anomalies, including a supposed list of proponents that reportedly names individuals ranging from lawmakers to private persons.

Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste has claimed to have a copy of the list but said he prefers that the DPWH decide whether to release the files publicly so as not to compromise his work in Congress.

Cabral died in a fall down a ravine in Benguet last week.