MANILA — Initial toxicology results indicate that the remains of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Catalina “Cathy” Cabral tested positive for an antidepressant, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
In a preliminary report from the PNP Regional Forensic Unit–Cordillera Administrative Region, qualitative tests on urine and vitreous samples detected the presence of citalopram, a medication commonly prescribed for depression.
Police said the drug was among the items recovered by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) during a search of the hotel room in Baguio City where Cabral and her driver had stayed.
Authorities added that histopathological examinations found no underlying abnormalities or terminal illnesses. Cabral’s death was deemed consistent with gross findings, including scalp and subdural hematomas observed in the brain.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said initial indicators point to suicide, noting the absence of any signs of struggle at the scene.
He also confirmed that biometric verification established Cabral’s identity, despite minor discrepancies between older and more recent photographs, which he attributed to possible cosmetic procedures.
“The fingerprints matched, and the photos matched. While there were slight differences between older and newer images, all biometric features confirm it is her with a high degree of certainty,” Remulla said.
Results of the DNA analysis have yet to be released.
Remulla emphasized the importance of reviewing electronic devices and physical evidence to reconstruct Cabral’s final days.
Investigators are looking into possible threats, recent communications, pending transactions, and individuals she contacted in the week prior to her death.
Meanwhile, the PNP said it is coordinating closely with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Office of the Ombudsman to expedite the forensic review of the so-called “Cabral files” once they are formally turned over.
Acting PNP chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assured the public that all recovered materials would undergo comprehensive forensic examination, stressing the PNP’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Earlier, the DPWH complied with a subpoena by submitting Cabral’s computers, data storage devices, and related documents to the Office of the Ombudsman for forensic analysis.
Nartatez said authorities are hopeful the devices may contain information relevant to alleged DPWH budget insertions.