Colleagues, students mourn Peace Corps teacher killed in Philippines

Published: 2007-04-19

LEGAZPI, Philippines (CNS) -- Colleagues and students could not suppress tears at a Mass for U.S. Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell. About 50 people attended the April 18 Mass at the Divine Word College of Legazpi chapel after the school received confirmation of her death from Luzvi de Lumen, regional Peace Corps manager. Campbell, a Catholic from Fairfax, Va., who taught the English language and literature at the college since November, disappeared April 8 in Banaue, more than 200 miles north of Manila. The 44-year-old volunteer reportedly went hiking alone in the town, in Ifugao province. On April 18, local residents discovered her body buried in the town, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency. Police said they suspect she was murdered; an investigation is under way. Father Francisco Estepa, president of the college, celebrated the memorial Mass. He told mourning teachers, students and others in the chapel how sad the school was over Campbell's death. She did a lot "for the students and the community as well," he said.

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