Authorities have confirmed through DNA testing that the body discovered near a ravine by the Bued River in Benguet on Thursday night, December 18, is that of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral.

Earlier, authorities from the Department of the Interior and Local Government had ordered both a DNA test and an autopsy following the discovery of the body, citing “suspicious circumstances” in the case.

The RFU CAR Forensic Group, led by autopsy officer PMaj. Nolan Genova also conducted the examination on December 20 at approximately 3:45 a.m. at the Cordillera Serenity Memorial in Irisan, Baguio City, to identify the manner of death.

Autopsy findings determined that the cause of death was “blunt traumatic injury consistent with a fall.”

The procedure was carried out peacefully and in an orderly manner and was witnessed by the deceased’s husband.