7/24/2025 Colombia (International Christian Concern) — The bodies of seven Evangelical Christians and a relative to one of the victims were found on July 1 in a mass, shallow grave in Guaviare, Colombia.

In April, the Frente Armando Ríos (FARC), an illegal armed group that has been known to restrict freedom of religion or belief, summoned the eight victims to interrogate them about a rival armed group. The eight people were reported missing shortly after the interrogation. 

The victims were identified as Isaíd Gómez, Maribel Silva, Carlos Valero, James Caicedo, Jesús Valero, Maryuri Hernández, Nixon Peñalosa, and Oscar García. They were members of the Evangelical Alliance of Colombia Denomination (DEAC) and the Foursquare Gospel Church (ICCG) and were providing humanitarian aid in the area.

Nixon Peñalosa, DEAC treasurer, and Mayuri Hernández assisted the DEAC pastor. Isaíd Gómez and Maribel Silva were DEAC church leaders, and James Caicedo was a former pastor of the Foursquare Gospel Church (ICCG). Oscar García and Jesús Valero were longtime members of ICCG.

The victims had previously fled from Arauca to escape religious persecution. Colombian President Gustavo Petro stood in solidarity with the victims’ families and said that there will be justice. Investigations are still ongoing.

To read more news stories, visit the ICC Newsroom. For interviews, please email press@persecution.org. To support ICC’s work around the world, please give to our Where Most Needed Fund.