Blunt force injuries led to Cabral’s death — PNPTrigger warning: suicide, mental health issuesMANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said that former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Maria Catalina "Cathy" Cabral died of blunt traumatic injuries. According to the medico-legal report, Cabral’s body was examined on December 20, a day after she was found unconscious in a ravine in Benguet. The report concluded: “THE CAUSE OF DEATH IS BLUNT TRAUMATIC INJURIES TO THE HEAD, TRUNK, LEFT UPPER AND LOWER EXTREMITIES DUE TO FALL FROM THE HEIGHT.”The examination revealed extensive injuries across her head, neck, torso and extremities. Extremity injuries included abrasions, contusions and lacerations on her arms, wrists, palms, hands and ankles. In a separate toxicology report by the PNP, Cabral was also found to be positive for anti-depressant drugs.

Source: Philippine Star December 24, 2025 12:58 UTC