Three years after state forces arrested activist and lay worker Aldeem Yañez, the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) has once again called for his immediate release. The church held a concert at its national cathedral in Ermita, Manila on April 10 for the release of Yañez and other political prisoners.

Various groups led by the Free Aldeem Yañez Movement and Youth of the IFI (YIFI) performed songs composed by Yañez at the concert. These songs are from the newly released songbook and album titled “Gawasnon.”

Police and soldiers arrested Yañez at his home in Barangay Iponan, Cagayan de Oro City on April 10, 2022. He was immediately charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives. In August 2023, he was charged with an additional case of “terrorism financing” along with 15 other church workers and members of the Rural Missionary of the Philippines (RMP).

Yañez was first arrested in July 2018 along with 12 others in General Santos City. They were then accused of involvement in an attack by the New People’s Army (NPA) on a military camp in Agusan del Sur. Lack of sufficient basis and evidence prompted the court to dismiss the case.

Yañez is known within the IFI for having served as YIFI chairperson from 1999 to 2002. He also volunteered at the Visayas-Mindanao Regional Office for Development of the IFI, the church’s longest-running development program, and with the ecumenical group Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP).

IFI national leaders attended the concert, including Yañez’s mother, Kathleen Yañez, who is the Women of the Philippine Independent Church (WOPIC) president. The Student Christian Movement of the Philippines and Kalipunan ng Kristiyanong Kabataan sa Pilipinas (KKKP) also joined the gathering and call.

Meanwhile, the IFI ordained Yañez into the Sacred Order of Deacons of the church on April 25. The ceremony was held inside Lumbia City Jail in Cagayan de Oro City. IFI Diocesan Bishop of Cagayan de Oro Rt. Rev’d Felixberto L. Calang presided over the ordination, with IFI secretary general Rt. Rev’d Dindo Ranojo attending.