Federal prosecutors in California confirmed that a Filipino permanent resident has admitted to charges tied to terror financing and the illegal possession of an explosive device, following a months-long investigation that placed him in federal custody last year.
Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, 29, a green card holder living in Long Beach, entered a guilty plea on Tuesday, January 27, to one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, according to the US Attorney’s Office.
Court records show Villanueva has been detained since August 2025 while authorities pursued the case. The organization at the center of the charges, ISIS, is designated as a terrorist group by the United States and numerous other governments.
Details outlined in the plea agreement indicate that Villanueva began communicating in February 2025 with an individual who identified himself as an ISIS fighter operating in Syria. The exchanges took place through a social media messaging platform, where Villanueva allegedly received instructions on how to route funds to the conflict zone.
Investigators determined that Villanueva sent more than $1,600 through roughly a dozen transactions. Prosecutors said he was aware the money would be used to purchase ammunition, weapons, and operational supplies for ISIS activities. Court documents also noted that Villanueva discussed the possibility of carrying out an operation on behalf of the group within the United States.
The investigation expanded after authorities searched Villanueva’s residence in August 2025. During the search, agents recovered a homemade explosive device packed with ball bearings and various metal items, including nails, screws, and nuts. Officials said Villanueva knew the device met the legal definition of a firearm and destructive device under US law and that it had not been registered as required.
Sentencing has been scheduled for June 17 before Anne Hwang. Under federal statutes, Villanueva faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison for the material support charge and up to 15 years for the firearms offense.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said the Philippine Consulate is monitoring the proceedings involving Villanueva.
