Drag artist Pura Luka Vega, real name Amadeus Fernando Pagente, was arrested by Manila Police District in their residence on Wednesday, Oct. 4, following their alleged failure to attend the preliminary investigations.

“Kasi may lumabas din po na balita na hindi ko dinadalo yung hearing. Immediately nung lumabas po yun, pumunta na po agad kami sa Manila city hall,” Vega said in an interview with DZRH.

“Maayos naman yung pagtanggap namin doon pero yun nga po humingi kami ng motion to reopen para ma-open po siya ulit. Binigyan namin ng kaukulang aksyon pa rin para makapag-submit din po kami ng counter affidavit,” the 33-year-old drag artist added.

Vega was sued by a church group that considered their “Ama Namin” drag performance as allegedly violating Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Meanwhile, Drag Den Philippines director Rod Singh posted on X (formerly Twitter), maintained that neither Vega nor their team received a subpoena for the said preliminary investigation in Manila.

“The arrest warrant was issued today despite filing a motion to reopen today. They are now in police custody [...] Pura Luka Vega diligently attends their preliminary investigations in Quezon City,” Singh said.

DRAG IS NOT A CRIME! FREE PURA LUKA VEGA! pic.twitter.com/9JILK27Aqp

— rod singh (@iamrodafrog) October 4, 2023

In an earlier post on X, Pura Luka Vega said they were yet to receive any notice of their alleged criminal case filed in Manila.

I am still not in receipt of any notice regarding an alleged criminal case filed in Manila against me. In the past two weeks, I have been attending preliminary investigations in Quezon City for three criminal complaints.

— Pura Luka Vega 🙃 (@puralukavega) September 15, 2023

Pura Luka Vega was earlier declared persona non grata in various cities.