The terrorism financing case against development and church worker Aldeem Yañez has been transferred from the Lanao del Norte Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Iligan City to Taguig RTC Branch 266. On February 9, 2026, the Taguig court also approved the State’s motion to transfer Yañez’s detention to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, citing “national security considerations.”
The transfer also applies to Yañez’s co-accused, Emilio Gabales and Aileen Villarosa. Rights group Karapatan noted that the three are among the “NMR 16,” a group of 16 individuals indicted for allegedly providing funds to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), who are classified by the Philippine government as “terrorists.”
Yañez’s legal team filed a motion on February 26, 2026, asking the Taguig court to reconsider its decision. The lawyers argued that a change of venue does not necessitate relocating the detained and questioned the sufficiency of the cited national security concerns.
Meanwhile, Yañez faces separate charges of alleged illegal possession of firearms and explosives at the Misamis Oriental RTC Branch 41 in Cagayan de Oro. The cross-examination of the defense’s witnesses is scheduled for March 11, 2026.
Yañez volunteered with the Visayas–Mindanao Regional Office for Development (VIMROD) of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) and with the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform, a network advocating for the resumption of peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front (NDF). He was ordained Deacon of the IFI on April 25, 2025, inside the Male Dormitory of the Cagayan de Oro City District Jail.
Faith-based and human rights organizations continue to call for his release, citing delays in the multiple cases filed against him.
Yañez was arrested at his home in Iponan, Cagayan de Oro on April 10, 2022. State security forces alleged that they recovered a pistol and explosives from his residence and accused him of ties to the NPA. Yañez’s family and supporters deny the allegations, claiming the weapons were planted and stating that he had been taking care of his ailing father prior to his arrest.
The planting of weapons during searches has been a “common practice” by police and military forces to fabricate charges against human rights defenders.
In a show of support, priests and representatives from local and international churches submitted a petition to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last February 2026, urging the release of Yañez and other political prisoners they say are unjustly detained.
Despite his detention, Yañez has continued to create music while in prison. Known among church communities as a songwriter, he has composed numerous songs reflecting themes of faith, struggle, and hope. In November 2024, the IFI released a songbook and album titled Gawasnon (Freedom): Songs of Struggle, Freedom, and Hope, featuring dozens of songs written by Yañez while detained.
Photo © IFI