Controversial drag artist Pura Luka Vega, also known as Amadeus Fernando Pagante, was arrested in Manila in connection with their viral performance remix of ‘Ama Namin.’
According to a statement from the Manila police, a warrant of arrest was executed for Pura on charges of promoting immoral doctrines, disseminating obscene publications, and engaging in indecent shows. The recommended bail amount has been set at P72,000.
Prior to their arrest, Pura had claimed that they had not received any official notice from the Manila Prosecutors Office regarding the case filed against them by the group known as Hijos del Nazareno.
Police Chief Lieutenant Colonel Leandro Sanchez Gutierrez of MPD Station 3 stated that Pura cooperated with authorities during the arrest and did not resist. Pura is currently in communication with a lawyer and is making arrangements to post bail, with the intention of doing so by Friday. In the interim, they will remain in a local holding facility.
Pura expressed their astonishment at the sudden issuance of the arrest warrant, citing their regular attendance at hearings for their cases in Quezon City and their lack of receipt of any subpoenas pertaining to the Manila case.
The arrest warrant was issued by Manila Judge Czarina Encarnacion Samonte-Villanueva.
Pura’s controversial video, in which they donned religious attire and performed a rock rendition of ‘Ama Namin,’ stirred significant controversy among politicians and leaders within the Roman Catholic community. As a result, Pura has been declared persona non grata in various provinces, cities, and towns, with critics condemning the performance as blasphemous and disrespectful to the religion.
Additionally, Pura is now facing criminal charges initiated by the Philippines for Jesus Movement, a coalition of Christian groups.
Pura is a prominent drag performer in the Philippines, known for their portrayal of Jesus Christ and their participation in the Filipino drag competition ‘Drag Den Philippines.’
