Passenger on Manila-to-Los Angeles flight charged after allegedly punching flight attendant

LOS ANGELES – A man who allegedly punched a flight attendant on a Los Angeles-bound jetliner has been charged with interfering with a flight crew.

The FBI says 53-year-old Edgar Nonga of Lakewood was charged with the federal offense on Monday. His bail was set at $10,000.

Prosecutors say Nonga got drunk during a Philippine Airlines flight from Manila to LA over the weekend and got angry when he was refused more drinks.

Prosecutors say Nonga swore at crew members and twice punched a flight attendant — including once in the face. The crew, with help from at least five passengers, restrained him and he was arrested Sunday morning when the plane landed.

He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

His attorney, David Sutton, declined to immediately comment.