Manila, Jan. 12 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reinstated the head of the Benguet provincial police after he was cleared of alleged lapses in the investigation into the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Catalina Cabral.

In a statement on Monday, the PNP said a regional internal review found no misconduct on the part of Lt. Col. Lambert Suerte, who has been on medical leave since his official relief on Dec. 22, 2025.

The review board, however, found Police Maj. Peter Camsol Jr., chief of the Tuba Municipal Police Office, accountable for mishandling evidence in relation to Cabral's death. He will face administrative charges.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said Sue...