The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reinstated Benguet Police Provincial Director Lt. Col. Lambert Suerte after an internal investigation cleared him of command responsibility in the handling of the death of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Catalina Cabral.
Suerte was reinstated following the conclusion of a regional internal review, which found no misconduct on his part in the police response to Cabral’s death.
The review instead held Police Maj. Peter Camsol Jr., chief of the Tuba Municipal Police Office, accountable for lapses at the municipal level. Camsol will face administrative charges.
Both officers were earlier relieved from their posts amid allegations of procedural lapses in evidence handling related to the case. Suerte had been on medical leave since his relief on 22 December 2025.
PNP Chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed Suerte’s reinstatement, citing the findings of the investigation.
The internal review was conducted following public criticism of the initial police actions in the case. Authorities reiterated that there was no foul play in Cabral’s death, based on forensic examinations, CCTV footage, and witness accounts.
However, the PNP said procedural shortcomings identified during the investigation will still be addressed through administrative processes.
The PNP said the case remains closed as far as criminal liability is concerned, while internal accountability measures against responsible officers will proceed.