Drag artist Amadeus Fernando Pagente or Pura Luka Vega was arrested by operatives of the Manila Police District (MPD) in Sta. Cruz, Manila on Wednesday, Oct. 4.
He was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued Judge Czarina Villanueva of Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 36, with a recommended bail of P72,000.
MPD said the 33-year-old drag artist was arrested in his house on Hizon Street in Baranggay 339, Sta. Cruz, Manila at 4:10 p.m. on Wednesday.
Vega was previously declared persona non grata in several cities, including Manila, following the video that went viral showing him performing an Ama Namin remix to a cheering crowd at a local bar while wearing a Black Nazarene-inspired costume.
Many Catholics and religious leaders condemned his act as "blasphemous."
Last Aug. 17, members of Hijos Del Nazareno (HDN) Central also filed charges against Vega before the Manila City Prosecutor's Office.
The group accused the drag artist of violating Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code (Immoral Doctrines, Obscene Publications and Exhibitions, and Indecent Shows), in relation to Republic Act 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).
Vega is currently being held in MPD Sta. Cruz Police Station.