Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 4) — Controversial drag performer Pura Luka Vega was arrested by Manila Police District operatives in his home in Sta. Cruz, Manila on Wednesday afternoon.
MPD spokesperson Maj. Philipp Ines confirmed to CNN Philippines that the drag performer, whose real name is Amadeus Fernando Pagante, is currently being held at the Santa Cruz Police Station.
According to MPD’s report, an arrest warrant was issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 36 Manila for violation of Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, with a recommended bail of ₱72,000.
A group of Black Nazarene devotees, Hijos del Nazareno-Central, filed a complaint against Vega before the Manila Prosecutors Office in August over a rock rendition of “Ama Namin,” or the Lord’s Prayer, which was denounced by many as “blasphemous.”
\”Ipapanalangin po namin na sana ay makakita ng kaliwanagan si G. Pagente sa mga kasong kanyang kinakaharap kaugnay ng kanyang paglapastangan sa kabanalan ng ating Panginoon,\” the group said in a statement.
[Translation: We are praying that Mr. Pagente will find light in the cases he is facing for offending our Lord’s holiness.]
Another religious group, Philippines for Jesus Movement, also sued the drag artist for the same reason and violations last July.
Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code provides the penalty for \”immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions and indecent shows.\”
