MANILA — Malacañang expressed condolences to the family of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Catalina Cabral, who died after allegedly falling from a cliff along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet on Thursday night.

“Nakikiramay po tayo sa pamilya na naiwan po ni former Usec. Catalina Cabral. At nakakalungkot po ang nangyari pero ‘yun po, muli nakikiramay po tayo,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a Palace press briefing.

Castro said the Palace is respecting the privacy of Cabral’s family.

She clarified that while Cabral was previously under investigation in connection with alleged irregularities in DPWH flood control projects, no charges had been filed against her.

“Sa ngayon po ay wala pong kaso…Nasa kamay na po iyan ng mga mag-iimbestiga. So, sa ngayon po, wala pong kinakaharap na kaso si Usec. Cabral,” Castro said.

“Ginagalang po natin muna pansamantala ang pribadong buhay at ang pamilya po ni Usec. Cabral. Sa ngayon wala pong pinag-uutos ang Pangulo at muli walang kaso. At kung mayroon man pag-iimbestiga na gagawin, bahala na po, nasa kamay na po ito ng mga investigating bodies,” she added.

Castro said law enforcement authorities are handling the investigation into the former DPWH official’s death.

In a separate statement, the DPWH also extended its condolences to Cabral’s family, describing her death as a significant loss to the department.

“Undersecretary Cabral served the Department for more than 40 years, and her loss will be mourned throughout the organization,” the DPWH said.

The department urged the public to respect the family’s need for privacy as they grieve and thanked them for their compassion and understanding.