Ex-DPWH Undersecretary Catalina Cabral Dies After Reported Fall
CATALINA CABRAL — The former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary passed away early Friday morning, December 19, 2025, after she was reportedly found at the bottom of a ravine in Tuba, Benguet. Authorities said the ravine was estimated to be about 20 to 30 meters deep and located near the Bued River, where she was discovered unconscious and unresponsive following an apparent fall the night before.
The Benguet Provincial Police Office confirmed her death after receiving a report that Cabral had gone missing along Kennon Road on Thursday, December 18. Based on police findings, Cabral was traveling with her driver toward La Union at around 3:00 p.m. when she asked the driver to stop in the area of Maramal, Camp 5.
She reportedly requested to be left there temporarily. The driver complied and went to a nearby gas station. When he returned around 5:00 p.m., Cabral was no longer at the location.
Concerned by her absence, the driver sought police assistance at around 7:00 p.m. A search operation followed, and by around 8:00 p.m., rescuers found Cabral at the bottom of the ravine near the river. She was later brought to a funeral facility, according to a report by ABS-CBN News.
During the investigation, the Office of the Ombudsman directed local authorities to secure and preserve Cabral’s mobile phones and other electronic devices as part of standard procedure. This instruction came amid public attention, as Cabral had previously been included in a list of DPWH officials expected to face charges related to alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Following her passing, DPWH expressed sympathy to Cabral’s family. The agency acknowledged her more than 40 years of service, noting that she dedicated much of her professional life to public service and infrastructure development. DPWH described her death as a significant loss to the department and called on the public to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn.