MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is investigating the incidents surrounding the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Ma. Catalina Cabral, which it described as a case of national interest.

Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said an autopsy has already clarified the identity of Cabral’s remains and the manner of her death.

“The next step is to establish what really happened and this is now the focus of all our efforts in relation to this case,” the acting PNP chief said.

The PNP said it has interrogated Cabral’s driver, who was with her before she allegedly fell from a cliff along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet on Thursday night.

Cabral’s family initially refused to allow an autopsy but later authorized the procedure on Saturday. Her remains have since been brought to Manila.

The police said it has taken additional steps to uncover the truth behind Cabral’s death, including coordination with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure and other agencies to preserve evidence linked to an investigation into billions of pesos worth of flood control projects that may have been affected by kickbacks and substandard construction.

The PNP also announced that the municipal police chief of Tuba, Benguet has been relieved from post due to lapses in the investigation. It added that strict internal supervision has been ordered for local police units involved in the case to prevent further lapses.

“We will continue to enhance training, strengthen oversight, and enforce accountability measures so that every investigation meets the standards expected by the public,” Nartatez said.

Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation urged motorists who passed through Kennon Road on December 18 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. and may have dashcam footage to share their recordings with the bureau.

“Any information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality and used solely for lawful investigative purposes,” the NBI said.

Individuals with information may contact the NBI through 09089780135 or nbiserves@nbi.gov.ph.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said the autopsy results showed that Cabral died of blunt force trauma.

Cabral had been implicated in the flood control controversy for allegedly leading the distribution of so-called “allocables” to lawmakers, or projects inserted into previous National Expenditure Programs.