Roque Doubts Circumstances of Former DPWH Undersecretary Cabral’s Death
HARRY ROQUE – The former Presidential Spokesperson has expressed doubts about the sudden death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Catalina Cabral.
Roque, a well-known ally of the Duterte family, extended his condolences to Cabral’s family following her passing on the night of Thursday, December 18, 2025, but questioned whether her death was truly an accident. He noted that Cabral is the third person to die in connection with the controversial flood control projects under the DPWH.
In posts on his Facebook page, Roque shared his sympathies while raising concerns about corruption in government. He suggested that Cabral’s sudden death might allow politicians and other influential figures involved in corruption to escape accountability. He described Cabral as kind to him and expressed regret over her tragic end, warning that many “crooked officials” could get away because of her passing.
Roque also stressed that Cabral’s death follows two other similar cases involving engineers in Ilocos Norte and Sorsogon, who died after the corruption issue surfaced. He implied that the pattern of these deaths could indicate organized foul play, asking whether the sequence of incidents resembled a “mafia-style” operation.
The former spokesperson further suggested that Cabral had comprehensive knowledge of irregularities and insertions by lawmakers, senators, and officials in Malacañang, implying that it was unlikely for her to have accidentally fallen from a cliff. He questioned the official account of her death, urging the public to consider whether it was plausible that she simply fell.
Authorities confirmed Cabral’s death early on Friday, December 19. Reports indicated that her body was found unconscious and unresponsive near the Bued River in Tuba, Benguet, after reportedly falling from a cliff the previous night. The fall was estimated to be between 20 and 30 meters, and emergency responders discovered her around 8:00 p.m.