MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Controversial drag performer Pura Luka Vega was arrested by Manila Police District operatives in his home in Sta. Cruz, Manila on Wednesday afternoon. The drag performer, whose real name is Amadeus Fernando Pagante, is reportedly being held at the Santa Cruz Police Station.

Religious group Philippines for Jesus Movement earlier sued Vega for his rock rendition of “Ama Namin,” or the Lord’s Prayer, which was denounced by many as “blasphemous.”

Pagante was charged under Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code provides the penalty for “immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions and indecent shows.”

It wasn’t clear whether Pagante would be posting bail for his temporary freedom.  What’s clear is that he’s fighting back!

In a message sent directly to The Adobo Chronicles, Pagante said he is counter-suing the religious group, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines and Parish officials of Quiapo Church for immoral doctrines, idolatry and grave threat to public safety.  This is connection with the annual Traslacíon celebrating the feast of the Black Nazarene.

“When I performed as Jesus, I was merely practicing my craft as an entertainer. No one was physically hurt during my performance. Nothing immoral about that,” he said.

Pagante added: “What could be more immoral than a public display of idolatry, parading the Black Nazarene like a rock star, and putting the lives and safety of devotees at great risk? Is there a double standard here?”