Fil-Am nabbed for backing ISIS

For sending a dozen payments to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, a Filipino was arrested in Long Beach last Saturday (Manila time).

A report showed that Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, 28, a lawful permanent resident from the Philippines, was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, a federal felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Villanueva is scheduled to make his initial appearance in the US District Court in Los Angeles on Tuesday (Manila time).

In a statement, acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli said supporting a terrorist group, whether at home or abroad, is a serious risk to national security.

“We will aggressively hunt down and prosecute anyone who provides support or comfort to our enemies,” Essayli added.

Villanueva, according to the criminal complaint filed by federal prosecutors, allegedly communicated via social media with two individuals who claimed to be ISIS fighters.

During these conversations, he expressed a desire to fight for ISIS, stating, “It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith. It’s the best way to go to heaven. Someday soon, I’ll be joining.”

Prosecutors said Villanueva also told one of the individuals that he possessed a bomb and knives. FBI agents found a suspected explosive device in his bedroom during his arrest.

An affidavit filed with the complaint detailed how Villanueva discussed sending money to support the fighters’ terrorist activities, at one point asking whether his funds would “cover your equipment and your weapons.”

The report showed the suspect allegedly sent 12 payments totaling $1,615 over five months to two intermediaries abroad, according to Western Union records.