Filipino-Born Long Beach Man Arrested for Sending Money to ISIS
August 8, 2025
$1,600, a few DMs, and a bomb in the bedroom — and now he’s at the center of a federal terrorism case.
Photo Courtesy of ABS-CBN News
In a case that’s shaking the Filipino American community, 28-year-old Mark Lorenzo Villanueva—a green card holder originally from the Philippines—was arrested in Long Beach on August 1, 2025, for allegedly wiring money to people he believed were ISIS fighters.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Villanueva sent 12 payments totaling $1,615 through Western Union between February and July of this year. The funds were funneled through intermediaries and sent overseas. Prosecutors say he used social media to talk to two self-identified ISIS members, expressing both financial support and a desire to fight alongside them. “It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith,” he wrote in one exchange.
In another uncovered message, he asked if the cash would help “cover your equipment and your weapons.” He also told one of them, “Someday soon, I’ll be joining,” according to the L.A. Times.
During the arrest, the FBI reportedly found what appeared to be a homemade bomb in his bedroom, along with knives. If convicted, Villanueva faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
ABS-CBN News, a leading news outlet in the Philippines, has also reported on the case—highlighting Villanueva’s Filipino heritage and immigration status as a lawful U.S. resident. For many Filipinos and Fil-Ams, the story hits hard, bringing up difficult questions about radicalization, identity, and how someone from our community could end up here.
FBI officials say the arrest is part of a broader effort to stop the spread of extremist ideology online. It also shows how small money transfers—and online messages that feel low-key—can escalate into real-life threats.Law enforcement officials say this case is a reminder of how online spaces can become gateways to extremist ideology—and how even small transactions can have serious consequences. The FBI credits the Joint Terrorism Task Force with stopping further harm before it escalated.
As the case unfolds in court, it’s also unfolding in our minds: How do we prevent this from happening again? How do we spot the signs? And how do we support each other—especially those feeling isolated, disillusioned, or unseen?
As Filipino Americans, we’re no strangers to navigating identity, belonging, and belief. But we need to start making space for conversations about radicalization, mental health, and how easily someone can be pulled into something dangerous.
Villanueva’s case is still unfolding. He’s presumed innocent until proven guilty. But the evidence—intercepted chats, financial records, and a bomb in his bedroom—speaks volumes.
COCOLAB was founded by sisters Dr. Chrystle Cu and Catherine Cu. Dr. Chrystle Cu, a dentist, is passionate about enhancing oral care products. Catherine Cu, an artist, contributes her design expertise to the business.
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