DPWH turns over Cabral’s CPU, files to Ombudsman for forensic probe

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Tuesday turned over the CPU and other files used by former undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral during her 10-year stint at the agency to the Office of the Ombudsman.

The turnover was carried out in compliance with a subpoena duces tecum issued by the Ombudsman, which seeks to secure the materials for forensic examination to determine whether any data related to the flood control probe had been deleted or altered.

Photos released on social media showed the CPU and multiple folders marked with various dates, all of which were reportedly used by Cabral during her time at the DPWH.

“Pormal nang nai-turn over ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) ang computer at files mula sa opisina ng yumaong dating Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral mula sa nakalipas na 10 taon bilang bahagi ng pagsunod sa Subpoena Duces Tecum ng Office of the Ombudsman,” the DPWH said in its caption.

The turnover was led by DPWH officials, including Undersecretaries Nicasio Conti, Arthur Bisnar, Ricardo Bernabe III, and Charles Calima Jr. The agency said it would fully cooperate with authorities as investigations continue.

The Office of the Ombudsman confirmed receipt of the materials on the same day and said the items would remain sealed until digital forensic testing is conducted.

“The CPU and files of Usec. Cabral have been sealed and delivered to the custody of the Office of the Ombudsman. It will remain sealed until we are able to do a digital forensic test,” Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said.

Asked whether the Ombudsman would also retrieve Cabral’s cellphone, Clavano said, “that is a PNP matter. But we have expressed our utmost interest in the cellphone.”

Cabral was appointed to the DPWH in 2014 and resigned from her post following allegations linking her to irregularities in flood control projects. She was later found dead along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet.

Following reports of her death, the Ombudsman said that “Time is of essence” in securing custody of Cabral’s electronic devices to preserve any data that could be relevant to the investigation.

“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 earlier.

Recently, Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste claimed that Cabral had given him a list of alleged proponents of budget insertions, which he said included politicians and private individuals linked to infrastructure corruption.

Leviste earlier said he would allow the DPWH to decide whether the files should be released publicly, citing concerns about compromising his work as a legislator.