Hev Abi’s label denies rapper’s illegal possession of firearms, drugs amid arrest

MANILA, Philippines – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) confirmed on Thursday, April 16, that it had arrested Filipino rapper Hev Abi in the early morning of April 14 for alleged illegal possession of firearms and drug paraphernalia.

The hip-hop star was taken into police custody along with six other individuals — five men and one woman — of legal age.

The CIDG said that during its implementation of a search warrant in Barangay Laging Handa, Diliman, Quezon City, it had confiscated a caliber 9mm pistol, a magazine, live ammunition, 11 cartridges suspected to contain liquid marijuana, four sealed transparent plastic bags containing suspected cocaine, and paraphernalia containing suspected marijuana.

The search warrant was implemented in relation to Hev Abi and his group’s alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Hev Abi was scheduled to perform at Kalye Tunes: UP Fair Wednesday on April 15, at UP Diliman’s Sunken Garden, but failed to show up for his set time. His label, Urban Department, announced his absence on the same day and attributed it to “circumstances beyond [their] control.”

On the evening of Thursday, April 16, the label released another statement “categorically” denying the artist’s alleged illegal possession of drugs and firearms.

“On behalf of Hev Abi, we categorically deny any and all allegations pertaining to this misunderstanding that [led] to his situation last April 14, 2026. Our legal counsel is working with the designated authorities in finding a solution,” Urban Department wrote.

Further details on Hev Abi’s case have yet to be released by the CIDG and his label.

Hev Abi rose to fame in 2023 and is best known for songs like “Alam Mo Ba Girl,” “Para Sa Streets,” “Babaero,” and “Walang Alam,” to name a few. In February, he dropped his fourth album, MADUMING TIMOG.

In 2024, he was named the Top Local Artist in the Philippines by Spotify. – Rappler.com