Filipino in California pleads guilty to ISIS funding, bomb possessionThe logo of the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation on the facade of one of its buildings. MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino national who is a permanent resident in the United States pleaded guilty on Tuesday, January 27, to federal charges for sending money to suspected ISIS members and illegally possessing a homemade bomb. Villanueva sent more than $1,600 in a dozen payments, knowing the money would buy ammunition, weapons and other supplies for ISIS operations, court documents show. He also discussed conducting operations for ISIS in the United States. "At all relevant times, Villanueva knew the bomb was considered a firearm and a destructive device under federal law, and the device was not federally registered as required by law," the release stated.

Source: Philippine Star January 28, 2026 05:37 UTC