MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are taking steps to preserve electronic devices and investigate the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, who was found unconscious near Kennon Road in Benguet on Thursday night and later declared dead.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said authorities have directed Benguet officials “to take custody of and preserve” Cabral’s cellphone and other gadgets.

“Kailangan talaga apply na ng cyber warrant yung mga ganyan (There is a need to apply for a cyber warrant in instances like this). These are contents that you find in a computer or a device that is subject to the rules on the application for a cyber warrant. So that is definitely something that we have started to work on,” Clavano said during a press briefing Friday.

Clavano stressed that the devices may contain information on proponents linked to alleged irregularities in flood control projects. He urged anyone with access to Cabral’s personal or work computer to come forward, warning of risks that data could be altered or erased.

“And we afford all the respect and condolences to the bereaved family. But there is this state interest that has to keep moving, and that is the investigation of the flood control [projects],” he said.

Police earlier reported that Cabral was found about 30 meters from the riverbank along Kennon Road in Barangay Camp 4, Tuba, Benguet.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and Police Regional Office Cordillera to conduct a “thorough investigation” into her death, vowing not to rule out any factor until forensic investigators establish the cause and circumstances.

“That will also be among the angles that police investigators would focus on,” Nartatez said, noting Cabral’s alleged involvement in flood control project anomalies.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño identified Cabral’s driver as a person of interest and said the CIDG will subpoena the deceased’s cellphone and the driver.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that Cabral’s remains are undergoing DNA testing and autopsy to confirm identity. Remulla emphasized that the investigation into flood control anomalies will continue despite Cabral’s death.

“Ang pagkamatay ng isang tao ay hindi ibig sabihin titigil ang gulong ng hustisya. Hahabulin namin ang lahat ng nakaw yaman, buhay o patay. Kung ano man merong ebidensya, kukunin pa rin ng gobyerno ang lahat ng hakbang na kailangan para maibalik sa taong Pilipino ang perang ninakaw (The death of a person does not mean that the wheels of justice will stop. We will pursue all stolen wealth, alive or dead. Whatever the evidence, the government will still take all necessary steps to return the stolen money to the Filipino people),” he said.

Remulla also warned that death will not shield other accused individuals from accountability.