Director Tschetter Thanks Filipino People, Government for their Search Efforts



Director Tschetter and Chargé Jones met with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo this morning to thank her for the partnership and efforts of the Filipino people in searching for Ms. Campbell. President Arroyo along with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto Romulo, Secretary of National Defense Hermogenes Ebdane, and PNP Director Oscar Calderon, committed their full support to the investigation.

Director Tschetter Thanks Filipino People, Government for their Search Efforts

Peace Corps Mourns the Loss of Volunteer Julia Campbell

Director Tschetter Thanks Filipino People, Government for their Search Efforts

U.S. Peace Corps Director Ronald A. Tschetter, who is in the Philippines to assist the search for Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell, speaks with Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at the presidential palace in Manila April 18, 2007. Campbell was feared murdered in the Philippines after her body was found in a shallow grave in a remote, mountainous area on Wednesday, the police said. REUTERS/Cheryl Ravel (PHILIPPINES)

MANILA, April 18, 2007 - U.S. Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter, along with the U.S. Embassy in Manila, is saddened to confirm the death of U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer Julia Campbell, who disappeared on April 8 while hiking in Banaue, Ifugao Province, Northern Luzon. Search parties discovered Ms. Campbell’s body near Barangay Batad, Banaue town this morning. Philippine authorities will make the final pronouncement of cause of death. Peace Corps Volunteer Julia Campbell

Director Tschetter, who is in the Philippines to consult with officials regarding the ongoing search for the missing volunteer, expressed his sorrow at learning the news. “Julia was a proud member of the Peace Corps family, and she contributed greatly to the lives of Filipino citizens in Donsol, Sorsogon, where she served,” he said. “The U.S. Peace Corps is saddened by the loss of such a dedicated and vibrant volunteer, who so loved this country. Our hearts go out to her family and friends in the United States.”

Ms. Campbell was reported missing on April 11 after failing to show up for several appointments. She was last seen on Sunday, April 8 in the Banaue area. She reportedly intended to hike in a hilly area near Batad, 1.5 kilometers east of Banaue town, and was unaccompanied.

Director Tschetter traveled to the Banaue area with U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Paul W. Jones on Tuesday, April 17 to meet with American and Filipino authorities involved in the search. The U.S. Peace Corps and U.S. Embassy would like to express their deep gratitude to the Filipino people for their assistance in the search.

“The search efforts organized by the Philippine National Police (PNP) were incredible,” said Chargé Jones. “Thank you to the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the local and provincial governments in the Banaue area, and the many local guides and volunteers who spent countless hours searching for Julia in difficult terrain. The American people are very thankful for your friendship during this difficult time.”

Director Tschetter and Chargé Jones met with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo this morning to thank her for the partnership and efforts of the Filipino people in searching for Ms. Campbell. President Arroyo along with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto Romulo, Secretary of National Defense Hermogenes Ebdane, and PNP Director Oscar Calderon, committed their full support to the investigation.

Ms. Campbell served in ecological and educational projects in Southern Luzon since she began her Peace Corps service in the Philippines in March 2005.

There are 136 Peace Corps Volunteers serving in the country. More than 8,000 Volunteers have served in the Philippines since 1961, making it the second oldest Peace Corps program in the world.

Links to Related Topics (Tags):

Headlines: April, 2007; Peace Corps Philippines; Directory of Philippines RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Philippines RPCVs; Safety and Security of Volunteers; Journalism; Ron Tschetter (Director 2006 - ); Figures

When this story was posted in April 2007, this was on the front page of PCOL:




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Peace Corps' Screening and Medical Clearance The purpose of Peace Corps' screening and medical clearance process is to ensure safe accommodation for applicants and minimize undue risk exposure for volunteers to allow PCVS to complete their service without compromising their entry health status. To further these goals, PCOL has obtained a copy of the Peace Corps Screening Guidelines Manual through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and has posted it in the "Peace Corps Library." Applicants and Medical Professionals (especially those who have already served as volunteers) are urged to review the guidelines and leave their comments and suggestions. Then read the story of one RPCV's journey through medical screening and his suggestions for changes to the process.

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History of the Peace Corps PCOL is proud to announce that Phase One of the "History of the Peace Corps" is now available online. This installment includes over 5,000 pages of primary source documents from the archives of the Peace Corps including every issue of "Peace Corps News," "Peace Corps Times," "Peace Corps Volunteer," "Action Update," and every annual report of the Peace Corps to Congress since 1961. "Ask Not" is an ongoing project. Read how you can help.

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