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POLICE have widened its search operation for the
female US Peace Corps volunteer reported missing since Easter
Sunday.
Members of the Cordillera Police
Regional Mobile Group (RMG) have joined the search for Julia
Campbell who hails from Fairfax, Virginia.
The 41-year old Campbell was last
seen in Battad town in Ifugao province before she reportedly went
hiking to Banaue, a police reports said earlier.
Cordillera Police Director, Chief
Supt. Raul Gonzales said in a report to Camp Crame that elements of
the Ifugao RMG have widened their search for the American.
“The Ifugao provincial mobile
groups have fanned out in different barangays in Battad and nearby
towns where she was last seen,” Gonzales said in the reports.
Battad town is an unusual jumping
point for hikers since its’ highlands are characterized as very
rough with steep slopes, deep ravines and has a heavy foggy
environment.
The PNP Chief, Director General
Oscar Calderon has ordered the mobilization of a crisis management
team that would oversee the search operation for Campbell.
The PNP Chief also alerted all
PNP Regional Offices to closely monitor the activities of foreign
and even local tourists this summer vacation, where tourist arrivals
are usually high.
The PNP thru its liaison division
is also coordinating closely with US Embassy officials in Manila on
the progress of their search operations for the missing Peace Corps
volunteer.
The US Embassy in Manila in a
message posted on its website said that their government is offering
a reward to any individual who could provide information on
Campbell’s whereabouts. From the description provided at the
website, Campbell stands 5’7" and weighs around 58 kilos, has
a blonde hair and wears a pair of glasses.
Campbell is among the 137
volunteers of the US Peace Corps Volunteers that are currently
serving in the Philippines, the US Embassy added on its website.
 --Anthony
Vargas
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