Cablegate: Filipinos Mourn Loss of Peace Corps Volunteer

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

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