VZCZCXRO1610
OO RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM
DE RUEHML #1281 1100826
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 200826Z APR 07
FM AMEMBASSY MANILA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6203
INFO RUEHZS/ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS IMMEDIATE
RUEHHK/AMCONSUL HONG KONG IMMEDIATE 4581
RHHMUNA/CDRUSPACOM HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE

UNCLAS MANILA 001281 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR EAP/MTS 
PASS TO PEACE CORPS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL CASC ASEC RP
SUBJECT: FILIPINOS MOURN LOSS OF PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER 
 
REF: A. MANILA 1232 
     ¶B. STATE 50781 
     ¶C. MANILA 1190 
 
¶1. Philippine government senior officials, politicians, and 
media on April 20 widely expressed condolences over the 
tragic death of Peace Corps Volunteer Julia Campbell 
(reftels).  President Arroyo, members of her Cabinet, as well 
as numerous Congressmen and Senators issued statements not 
only voicing their heartfelt sympathy for the Campbell family 
and friends, but also remembering her service to the 
Philippines during her time as a Peace Corps volunteer. 
Campbell, who was expected to complete her service in June 
2007, most recently was teaching English language in a school 
in Legaspi City, southeast of Manila. 
 
¶2.  President Arroyo's statement of sympathy noted that "It 
is unfortunate that a committed and selfless person, who has, 
based on the work she has done in Sorsogon, obviously grown 
to love our country, met a tragic end here."  Foreign 
Secretary Alberto Romulo, who helped to ensure provision of 
 
SIPDIS 
military helicopters and personnel to assist with the search 
for Campbell, described her volunteer work in the Philippines 
as a "testament to her great character, generosity, and 
dedication to serve others." 
 
¶3. The Philippine Government provided extraordinary 
assistance and support throughout the search and rescue 
operations and continues to do so as the investigation into 
Campbell's death continues.  Members of the Philippine 
National Police along with Embassy officials escorted the 
body to Manila on April 19.  Philippine authorities carefully 
treated the location where the body was discovered as a crime 
scene and immediately initiated an investigation because of 
presumed foul play.  As of April 20, the police have 
identified a suspect, whom they believe was the last person 
to be with Campbell. 
 
¶4. Comment: The outpouring of condolences overshadowed all 
other news on April 20, even that of the mid-term elections, 
the fighting in Jolo Island, and the hospitalization of 
President Arroyo's husband.  We expect the widespread media 
coverage to continue, especially as the investigation into 
her death proceeds and American pathologists conduct the 
autopsy.  The overwhelming supportive reaction across the 
board from political leaders and media alike, even amidst 
other major political events, underscores the strong positive 
attitudes towards the United States and the American people 
in the Philippines. End comment. 
 
 
Visit Embassy Manila's Classified SIPRNET website: 
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm 
 
You can also access this site through the State Department's 
Classified SIPRNET website: 
http://www.state.sgov.gov/ 
 
 
KENNEY