The WIP Contributors: Philippines to Give Highest Award to Slain Woman US Peace Corps Volunteer

From the WIP

May 14, 2007

Philippines to Give Highest Award to Slain Woman US Peace Corps Volunteer

by Imelda V. Abaño
Philippines

The Philippine government will award its highest decoration to slain United States Peace Corps volunteer, Julia Campbell, describing her as a "martyred volunteer."

Campbell, 40, of Fairfax, Virginia went missing April 8 during a trek at the mountainside rice terraces in Northern Philippines. She was found buried in a shallow grave 10 days later.

The citation honors Campbell for bringing "light and joy into the lives" of many Filipinos. "She epitomized the ideals of the Peace Corps and of the American people," the citation says.

Campbell, also a freelance journalist, had served as a college teacher in Donsol, Sorsogon, in Southern Luzon, since she began her Peace Corps service in the Philippines in March 2005.

Presently, there are 136 Peace Corps Volunteers serving in the Philippines. And since 1961, more than 8,000 volunteers have served in the country, making it the second oldest Peace Corps program in the world.

Suspect surrendered, admits killing

On the day Campbell’s remain were flown back to the United States on April 27, the chief suspect, 25-year-old Juan Dontugan surrendered to police and confessed to the killing.

“I never planned to kill or hurt Ms. Campbell,” Dontugan said. “I admit I killed her.”

He, however, denied having robbed or raped the American volunteer.

Dontugan, a native woodcarver, told police that on a trail to a village in the Ifugao province, he was bumped from behind and dropped a sack of clothes he was carrying. He mistook Campbell for a neighbor whom he had a grudge against.

“My mind went blank. I didn't know what or who it was, I just got a stone and hit her in the head,” he said.

A police autopsy showed that Campbell died due to several blows to the head.

Grieving family

In a statement released through the US Peace Corps, Campbell’s family said, “In her forty years, Julia lived a very full life. She loved her family and friends and is much loved. She is passionate in her journalism reporting especially the stories involving people who were able to stand and address adversity or adverse situations."

"We are so very grateful to the workers and searchers who worked diligently to look for and find our daughter, sister and friend. In addition to the Peace Corps, we would like to thank the Philippine National Police, the Philippine government and the people of the Philippines, especially those in Barangay Batad, Banaue for the outpouring of support and assistance in the search," the statement said.

"The U.S. Peace Corps and our U.S. embassy leadership, personnel and especially the Peace Corps volunteers in the Philippines have been of great comfort to our family during this difficult time. U.S. Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter and his team exemplify the sense of community Julia loved about the Peace Corps. They have and continue to show great concern for Julia and our family."