DPWH files from Cabral link lawmakers, gov't execs to budget insertions— Leviste | GMA News Online

🚨 Viral Dashcam Video of Former DPWH Usec. Cabral Sparks Nationwide Attention Amid Ongoing NBI Probe 🔴

Published on December 22, 2025

Introduction

A viral dashcam video has captured public attention across the Philippines, showing events connected to the tragic death of former DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral. The footage appears to corroborate details in the ongoing investigation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

The video, recorded on Kennon Road, Baguio-Benguet, shows a vehicle parked near a concrete barrier with a woman seated nearby, matching accounts from the initial NBI findings. Social media reactions have ranged from shock and sympathy to questions about the investigation and public safety.

This article provides a detailed overview of the events, the dashcam video, the NBI probe, and the broader implications for traffic safety and accountability in the Philippines.

1. The Viral Dashcam Video: What It Shows

The dashcam video circulating online captures an SUV parked along Kennon Road. A woman is seated on a concrete barrier beside the road. Observers noted the timestamps align with the morning hours of December 18, 2025.

While the video does not show the events leading directly to the tragedy, authorities confirmed that it is consistent with eyewitness accounts and preliminary findings in the NBI probe.

2. Background: Former DPWH Usec. Maria Catalina Cabral

Maria Catalina Cabral served as Undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for several years. She was widely respected for her work in infrastructure development, project management, and advocacy for safer road systems.

Her untimely death has shocked colleagues, government officials, and the public, prompting an official investigation by the NBI.

3. The Incident Along Kennon Road

According to authorities, Cabral was reportedly traveling along Kennon Road, a steep and often challenging route, when the incident occurred. Her SUV was found in a location that suggested she had stopped near a roadside barrier.

The dashcam footage and eyewitness reports indicate that Cabral was seen outside the vehicle before the tragic event that led to her death.

4. NBI Investigation: Initial Findings

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has been leading the probe into Cabral’s death. Their findings include:

Correlation of dashcam footage with official reports
Verification of photos taken by the driver
Collection of forensic evidence from the site and surrounding areas

The NBI has stated that the investigation is ongoing, with the objective of reconstructing the timeline of events accurately.

5. Social Media Reactions and Public Discourse

Once the video went viral, social media reactions surged. Public sentiment included:

Shock at the circumstances of Cabral’s death
Sympathy for her family and colleagues
Discussion about roadside safety on Kennon Road
Calls for accountability and transparent investigation

Hashtags and trending posts highlighted both concern for public safety and interest in the official investigation.

6. Correlation Between Dashcam Video and NBI Report

Authorities emphasized that the dashcam footage matches elements of the NBI probe, including:

Vehicle location and orientation
Timestamp consistency
Identification of the woman as former Usec. Cabral

This correlation strengthens the credibility of the preliminary investigation and provides visual confirmation of the reported events.

7. Police and Forensic Procedures

Philippine National Police and NBI forensic teams conducted:

Scene reconstruction
Collection of physical evidence
Verification of electronic and photographic records

Experts noted that evidence from dashcams can play a critical role in verifying witness accounts and ensuring transparency in high-profile cases.

8. Public Safety and Roadside Risks

Kennon Road is known for its challenging terrain. Authorities and road safety experts have highlighted the risks associated with:

Steep inclines and sharp curves
Inadequate roadside barriers
Traffic congestion and distracted drivers

Cabral’s tragic death has renewed calls for road safety improvements and stricter traffic regulations.

9. Implications for Government Officials and Accountability

The incident underscores the responsibilities of public officials to model safety and caution while traveling. It also raises questions about:

Government attention to infrastructure safety
Protocols for officials traveling in high-risk areas
Transparency and communication during investigations

The viral video has amplified public interest in accountability and policy reforms.

10. Broader Reflections on Viral News and Investigative Reporting

The rapid spread of the dashcam video demonstrates how digital media can accelerate public awareness. While virality can inform, it also demands careful reporting to avoid misinformation.

Journalists and authorities emphasize balancing transparency with sensitivity to families and legal procedures during ongoing investigations.

Conclusion

The viral dashcam footage of former DPWH Usec. Maria Catalina Cabral aligns closely with the NBI’s initial investigation, providing visual context to a tragic event. Beyond public interest, the case highlights road safety, investigative transparency, and the responsibilities of government officials.

As authorities continue their probe, the incident serves as a reminder of the interplay between digital media, accountability, and public discourse in modern Philippine society.

Kennon Road Safety: Risks and Precautions
How Dashcam Evidence Supports Police Investigations
Philippine National Bureau of Investigation: Mandate and Procedures
Roadside Safety Measures for High-Risk Routes
Viral News and Its Impact on Public Awareness