U.S. extradition of terror suspect OK’d

MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine court has granted a U.S. government request for the extradition of a Filipino doctor suspected by U.S. authorities of being an Islamic State group sympathizer, and plotting bombings and shootings at New York City concert venues, subway stations and Times Square.

Presiding Judge Rosalyn Mislos-Loja granted the U.S. request in a July 23 ruling which The Associated Press obtained Friday and ordered Russell Langi Salic to be extradited to the U.S. to face the charges. Salic, who is detained in Manila, has denied the charges, opposed his extradition and can appeal.

In the 33-page decision, Mislos-Loja ordered the seizure and surrender to U.S. authorities of all items, documents and evidence connected with the offenses for which Salic is charged in the U.S., including cellphones, computers and documents.

Last year, U.S. prosecutors said Salic was one of three Islamic State group sympathizers who plotted bombings and shootings in 2016 in New York before U.S. agents thwarted the plot. He was taken into custody in Manila last year.

Salic is suspected of sending about $423 from the Philippines in May 2016 to an undercover FBI agent posing as an Islamic extremist to help fund the planned attacks. Salic told the agent he intended to continue sending money in support of the Islamic State group, according to court documents that have been made public in New York.