Tuba, Benguet chief of police relieved over alleged “lapses” in ex-DPWH Cabral case

Benguet, Philippines – Tuba Chief of Police Police Major Peter Camsol has been relieved from his post over alleged lapses in the investigation into the case of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral.

Cabral was found unconscious and unresponsive near the Bued River, approximately 20 to 30 meters below the highway along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet, at around 8:00 p.m. on December 18. This came after her driver was unable to locate her several hours after she asked to be dropped off in Maramal, Camp 5. She was declared dead by the attending physician at 12:03 a.m. on December 19.

Police said on the same day that they were treating the incident as an alleged fall and that no foul play had been established at that time.

The following morning, December 20, Philippine National Police spokesperson Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño confirmed to the media that PMaj. Camsol was relieved from his post after the Police Regional Office–Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR) found lapses in the Tuba police’s handling and securing of evidence in the investigation into Cabral’s death.

Camsol earlier told local media, when asked about his relief, “Kasama sa trabaho.”

Benguet provincial director retained

Meanwhile, Benguet Police Provincial Director Police Colonel Lambert Suerte, who was initially reported to have also been relieved, was retained in his post after he was able to negotiate with the family of the deceased for an autopsy, according to Tuaño.

It can be recalled that Cabral’s husband, Cesar, announced on December 19 that their family had signed a waiver declining an autopsy on the remains of the late former DPWH undersecretary.

No indication of foul play

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla confirmed on December 20 that the body found near the Bued River in Tuba on the night of December 18 was that of Cabral.

He added that the former DPWH undersecretary died from blunt force trauma after falling into the ravine, based on autopsy results. Remulla further stated that no gunshot wounds or other indications of foul play were found on Cabral’s body.

Meanwhile, Cabral’s husband is expected to turn over her personal belongings as part of the ongoing investigation.